UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number: 000-26099

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		94-3327828
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

111 W. Pine Street, Lodi, California		95240
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (209) 367-2300

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☒	Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐	Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock	FMCB	OTCQX

Number of shares of common stock of the registrant 789,646 outstanding as of November 1, 2021.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(in thousands except share data)

Assets	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020		September 30, 2020
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and Due from Banks	$	66,503		$	66,327	$	58,810
Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks		804,260			317,510		299,558
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents		870,763			383,837		358,368

Investment Securities:
Available-for-Sale		333,151			807,732		568,536
Held-to-Maturity, fair value $540,308, $70,049 and $71,055, respectively		550,618			68,933		69,913
Total Investment Securities		883,769			876,665		638,449

Loans & Leases:		3,139,801			3,099,592		3,111,931
Less: Allowance for Credit Losses		60,303			58,862		56,798
Loans & Leases, Net		3,079,498			3,040,730		3,055,133

Premises and Equipment, Net		48,580			50,147		49,214
Bank Owned Life Insurance, Net		70,852			69,235		68,705
Interest Receivable and Other Assets		149,296			129,839		131,745
Total Assets	$	5,102,758		$	4,550,453	$	4,301,614

Liabilities
Deposits:
Demand	$	1,694,431		$	1,475,425	$	1,340,797
Interest Bearing Transaction		1,077,569			902,487		812,166
Savings and Money Market		1,402,560			1,260,487		1,201,566
Time		393,834			421,868		460,248
Total Deposits		4,568,394			4,060,267		3,814,777

Subordinated Debentures		10,310			10,310		10,310
Interest Payable and Other Liabilities		69,863			56,211		59,626
Total Liabilities		4,648,567			4,126,788		3,884,713

Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock: No Par Value, 1,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued or Outstanding		-			-		-
Common Stock: Par Value $0.01, 7,500,000 Shares Authorized, 789,646, 789,646, and 793,556 Shares Issued and Outstanding at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, Respectively		8			8		8
Additional Paid-In Capital		77,516			77,516		80,350
Retained Earnings		377,523			333,070		323,524
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Taxes		(856	)		13,071		13,019
Total Shareholders’ Equity		454,191			423,665		416,901
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	5,102,758		$	4,550,453	$	4,301,614

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

(in thousands except per share data)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest Income
Interest and Fees on Loans & Leases	$	36,088	$	36,409	$	109,839	$	104,880
Interest on Deposits with Banks		328		81		595		1,093
Interest on Investment Securities:
Taxable		3,283		2,889		10,781		9,216
Exempt from Federal Tax		399		414		1,238		1,260
Total Interest Income		40,098		39,793		122,453		116,449

Interest Expense
Deposits		929		2,011		3,200		7,613
Subordinated Debentures		78		83		236		296
Total Interest Expense		1,007		2,094		3,436		7,909

Net Interest Income		39,091		37,699		119,017		108,540
Provision for Credit Losses		-		1,700		1,250		2,000
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses		39,091		35,999		117,767		106,540

Non-Interest Income
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts		808		654		2,125		1,948
Net Gain on Sale of Investment Securities		-		-		2,554		13
Increase in Cash Surrender Value of Bank Owned Life Insurance		549		528		1,616		1,557
Debit Card and ATM Fees		1,788		1,465		5,173		4,044
Net Gain on Deferred Compensation Investments		615		1,022		1,828		883
Other		1,100		870		3,641		2,535
Total Non-Interest Income		4,860		4,539		16,937		10,980

Non-Interest Expense
Salaries and Employee Benefits		14,453		13,606		47,375		42,269
Net Gain on Deferred Compensation Investments		615		1,022		1,828		883
Occupancy		1,145		1,186		3,554		3,429
Equipment		1,251		1,272		3,688		3,726
Marketing		63		245		669		515
Legal		85		23		485		100
FDIC Insurance		317		249		902		256
Other		2,656		3,180		9,231		9,182
Total Non-Interest Expense		20,585		20,783		67,732		60,360

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		23,366		19,755		66,972		57,160
Provision for Income Taxes		5,864		4,945		16,604		13,919
Net Income	$	17,502	$	14,810	$	50,368	$	43,241
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	22.16	$	18.66	$	63.79	$	54.49

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(in thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net Income	$	17,502		$	14,810		$	50,368		$	43,241

Other Comprehensive Income
Increase in Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities		(2,237	)		(2,325	)		(16,846	)		13,803
Deferred Tax Provision Benefit (Expense) Related to Unrealized (Loss) Gains		662			688			4,981			(4,080	)
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Net Income		-			-			(2,554	)		(13	)
Deferred Tax Related to Reclassification Adjustment		-			-			755			4
Amortization of Unrealized Loss on Securities Transferred to Held to Maturity		(135	)		-			(373	)		-
Deferred Tax Benefit Related to Loss on Securities Transferred		40			-			110			-
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income		(1,670	)		(1,637	)		(13,927	)		9,714
Comprehensive Income	$	15,832		$	13,173		$	36,441		$	52,955

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands except share data)	Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Balance, June 30, 2021		789,646	$	8	$	77,516	$	360,021	$	814		$	438,359
Net Income						-		17,502		-			17,502
Other Comprehensive Loss				-		-		-		(1,670	)		(1,670	)
Balance, September 30, 2021		789,646	$	8	$	77,516	$	377,523	$	(856	)	$	454,191

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
Balance, June 30, 2020		793,556	$	8	$	80,350	$	308,714	$	14,656		$	403,728
Net Income						-		14,810		-			14,810
Other Comprehensive Loss				-		-		-		(1,637	)		(1,637	)
Balance, September 30, 2020		793,556	$	8	$	80,350	$	323,524	$	13,019		$	416,901

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Balance, December 31, 2020	789,646	$	8	$	77,516	$	333,070		$	13,071		$	423,665
Net Income			-		-		50,368			-			50,368
Cash Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($7.50 per share)			-		-		(5,922	)		-			(5,922	)
Cash Dividends Returned			-		-		7			-			7
Other Comprehensive Loss			-		-		-			(13,927	)		(13,927	)
Balance, September 30, 2021	789,646	$	8	$	77,516	$	377,523		$	(856	)	$	454,191

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Balance, December 31, 2019	793,033	$	8	$	79,947	$	286,036		$	3,305		$	369,296
Net Income			-		-		43,241			-			43,241
Cash Dividends Declared on Common Stock ($7.25 per share)			-		-		(5,753	)		-			(5,753	)
Issuance of Common Stock	523		-		403		-			-			403
Other Comprehensive Income			-		-		-			9,714			9,714
Balance, September 30, 2020	793,556	$	8	$	80,350	$	323,524		$	13,019		$	416,901

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Nine Months
	Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2021			2020
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$	50,368		$	43,241
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Provision for Credit Losses		1,250			2,000
Depreciation and Amortization		1,971			2,117
Net Amortization of Investment Security Premiums & Discounts		1,133			741
Amortization of Core Deposit Intangible		458			470
Accretion of Discount on Acquired Loans		(62	)		(134	)
Net (Gain) on Sale of Investment Securities		(2,554	)		(13	)
Net (Gain) on Sale of Property & Equipment		(31	)		(38	)
Net Change in Operating Assets & Liabilities:
Net (Increase) in Interest Receivable and Other Assets		(11,211	)		(6,269	)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities		10,738			(1,773	)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		52,060			40,342
Investing Activities:
Purchase of Investment Securities Available-for-Sale		(257,228	)		(273,408	)
Proceeds from Sold, Matured or Called Securities Available-for-Sale		397,454			225,332
Purchase of Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity		(194,332	)		(19,056	)
Proceeds from Matured or Called Securities Held-to-Maturity		29,042			9,341
Net Loans & Leases Paid, Originated or Acquired		(39,956	)		(438,984	)
Additions to Premises and Equipment, Net		(1,001	)		(6,108	)
Purchase of Other Investments		(4,516	)		(4,935	)
Redemption of Other Investment		2,556			-
Proceeds from Sale of Property & Equipment		635			81
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(67,346	)		(507,737	)
Financing Activities:
Net Increase in Deposits		508,127			536,758
Cash Dividends		(5,922	)		(5,753	)
Cash Dividends Return		7			-
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities		502,212			531,005
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents		486,926			63,610
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		383,837			294,758
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	870,763		$	358,368
Supplementary Data
Cash Payments Made for Income Taxes	$	22,530		$	7,443
Issuance of Common Stock to the Bank’s Non-Qualified Retirement Plans	$	-		$	403
Interest Paid	$	4,369		$	9,085
Supplementary Noncash Disclosure
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale Transferred to Held-to-Maturity	$	316,925		$	-
Lease Liabilities Arising from Obtaining Right-of-Use Assets	$	302		$	-

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (the “Company”) was organized March 10, 1999. Primary operations are related to traditional banking activities through its subsidiary Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (the “Bank”) which was established in 1916. The Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries include Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation has been dormant since 1991. Farmers/Merchants Corp. acts as trustee on deeds of trust originated by the Bank.

The Company’s other wholly owned subsidiaries include F & M Bancorp, Inc. and FMCB Statutory Trust I. F & M Bancorp, Inc. was created in March 2002 to protect the name F & M Bank. During 2002, the Company completed a fictitious name filing in California to begin using the streamlined name “F & M Bank” as part of a larger effort to enhance the Company’s image and build brand name recognition. In December 2003, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, FMCB Statutory Trust I, for the sole purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities and related subordinated debentures, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). FMCB Statutory Trust I is a non-consolidated subsidiary.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. GAAP and prevailing practice within the banking industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting and reporting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial information.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, F & M Bancorp, Inc. and the Bank, along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended (“2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), for the year ended December 31, 2020 and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with such audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring in nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Accounting Guidance Pending Adoption at September 30, 2021

The following paragraphs provide descriptions of newly issued but not yet effective accounting standards that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU will require the earlier recognition of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments based on an expected loss model, replacing the incurred loss model that is currently in use. Under the new guidance, an entity will measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The expected loss model will apply to loans and leases, unfunded lending commitments, held-to-maturity debt securities and other debt instruments measured at amortized cost. The impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities will require the recognition of credit losses through a valuation allowance when fair value is less than amortized cost, regardless of whether the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary. During 2019, the Company completed an assessment of its current expected credit losses (CECL) data and system needs, and engaged a third-party vendor to assist in developing a CECL model. The Company, in conjunction with this vendor, researched and analyzed modeling standards, loan segmentation, as well as potential external inputs to supplement our historical loss history. Model validation began in the third quarter of 2019, enabling the Company to complete parallel runs using data beginning with the second quarter of 2019.

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The new guidance had been effective on January 1, 2020. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and H.R. 133, resulted in federal banking regulators issuing an interim final rule allowing banks the option of delaying the implementation of CECL until January 1, 2022. In addition, the national banking regulators have issued a joint statement allowing financial institutions to mitigate the effects of CECL in their regulatory capital calculations for up to two years. The Company has elected to delay CECL adoption, but continues to run its CECL model quarterly to accumulate data for the ultimate implementation. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as those amounts included in the balance sheet captions Cash and Due from Banks, Interest-Bearing Deposits with Banks, and Federal Funds Sold, which have original maturity dates of three months or less. For these instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium to earliest call date and accretion of discount using a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity. Losses, reflecting a decline in value judged by the Company to be other than temporary, are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Securities are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) if it is management’s intent, at the time of purchase, to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Fair values are based on quoted market prices or broker/dealer price quotations on a specific identification basis. Gains or losses on the sale of these securities are computed using the specific identification method.

Transfers of debt securities from the available-for-sale category to the held-to-maturity category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held-to-maturity investment security. Premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method over the life of the security as an adjustment of yield. Unrealized holding gains or losses that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield, offsetting the related amortization of the premium or accretion of the discount.

Trading securities, if any, are acquired for short-term appreciation and are recorded in a trading portfolio and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement; and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

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Equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in market value recognized through earnings.

Loans & Leases

Loans & leases are reported at the principal amount outstanding net of unearned discounts and deferred loan & lease fees and costs. Interest income on loans & leases is accrued daily on the outstanding balances using the simple interest method. Loan & lease origination fees are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan or lease as an adjustment to the yield. Loans & leases are placed on non-accrual status when the collection of principal or interest is in doubt or when they become past due for 90 days or more unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. For this purpose, a loan or lease is considered well-secured if it is collateralized by property having a net realizable value in excess of the amount of the loan or lease or is guaranteed by a financially capable party. When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and charged against current income; thereafter, interest income is recognized only as it is collected in cash. Additionally, cash would be applied to principal if all principal was not expected to be collected. Loans & leases placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when the loans or leases are paid current as to principal and interest and future payments are expected to be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan or lease.

A loan or lease is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the original agreement. Impaired loans & leases are either: (1) non-accrual loans & leases; or (2) restructured loans & leases that are still accruing interest. Loans or leases determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan or lease is impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan or lease’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on a loan or lease’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan or lease is collateral dependent. A loan or lease is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan or lease is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral.

A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s (the term “borrower” is used herein to describe a customer who has entered into either a loan or lease transaction) financial difficulties grants a more than insignificant concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans & leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on non-accrual status at the time they become TDR, remain on non-accrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment as described above.

Generally, the Company will not restructure loans or leases for borrowers unless: (1) the existing loan or lease is brought current as to principal and interest payments; and (2) the restructured loan or lease can be underwritten to reasonable underwriting standards. If these standards are not met other actions will be pursued (e.g., foreclosure) to collect outstanding loan or lease amounts. After restructure, a determination is made whether the loan or lease will be kept on accrual status based upon the underwriting and historical performance of the restructured credit.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law by Congress and was amended and extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“H.R. 133”) on December 21, 2020. The CARES Act and H.R. 133 provide financial institutions, under specific circumstances, the opportunity to temporarily suspend certain requirements under generally accepted accounting principles related to modifications for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. In March 2020, a joint statement was issued by federal and state regulatory agencies, after consultation with the FASB, to clarify that short-term loan modifications are not TDRs if made on a good-faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief. Under this guidance, six months is provided as an example of short-term, and current is defined as less than 30 days past due at the time the modification program is implemented. The guidance also provides that these modified loans generally will not be classified as non-accrual during the term of the modification. See “Note 2 – Risks and Uncertainties” for additional information on the CARES Act and H.R. 133 and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of probable incurred credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan & lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for credit losses, which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after credit losses and loan & lease growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of three primary components: specific reserves related to impaired loans & leases; general reserves for inherent losses related to loans & leases that are not impaired; and an unallocated component that takes into account the imprecision in estimating and allocating allowance balances associated with macro factors.

The determination of the general reserve for loans & leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment is based on estimates made by management, to include, but not limited to, consideration of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset classifications, qualitative factors that include economic trends in the Company’s service areas, industry experience and trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Company’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan & lease portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole.

The Company maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan & lease type). These portfolio segments include: (1) commercial real estate; (2) agricultural real estate; (3) real estate construction (including land and development loans); (4) residential 1^st mortgages; (5) home equity lines and loans; (6) agricultural; (7) commercial; (8) consumer and other; and (9) equipment leases. The allowance for credit losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both individually evaluated impaired loans & leases and loans & leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment, is combined to determine the Company’s overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans & leases and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans & leases over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and assess overall collectability. For smaller balance loans & leases, such as consumer and residential real estate, a credit grade is established at inception, and then updated only when the loan or lease becomes contractually delinquent or when the borrower requests a modification. For larger balance loans, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans & leases. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan or lease. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company. The risk ratings can be grouped into five major categories, defined as follows:

Pass and Watch – A pass loan or lease is a strong credit with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention. This category also includes “Watch” loans, which is a loan with an emerging weakness in either the individual credit or industry that requires additional attention. A credit may also be classified Watch if cash flows have not yet stabilized, such as in the case of a development project. Included in this category are all loans in which the Bank entered into a CARES Act modification.

Special Mention – A special mention loan or lease has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or lease or in the Company’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans & leases are not adversely classified and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

Substandard – A substandard loan or lease is not adequately protected by the current financial condition and paying capacity of the borrower or the value of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans or leases classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a project’s lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time or the project’s failure to fulfill economic expectations. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

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Doubtful – Loans or leases classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Loss – Loans or leases classified as loss are considered uncollectible. Once a loan or lease becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, the Company will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral. If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Company will estimate its probable loss and immediately charge-off some or all of the balance.

The general reserve component of the allowance for credit losses also consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk; (2) historical losses; and (3) other qualitative factors. These reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each portfolio segment described below:

Commercial Real Estate – Commercial real estate mortgage loans are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact commercial real estate projects and may result in troubled loans. Trends in vacancy rates of commercial properties impact the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce sufficient cash flow to service debt obligations.

Real Estate Construction – Real estate construction loans, including land loans, are generally considered to possess a higher inherent risk of loss than the Company’s commercial, agricultural and consumer loan types. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified cost and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects.

Commercial – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss because they are shorter-term; typically made to relationship customers; generally underwritten to existing cash flows of operating businesses; and may be collateralized by fixed assets, inventory and/or accounts receivable. Debt coverage is provided by business cash flows and economic trends influenced by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans.

Agricultural Real Estate and Agricultural – These loans are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss since they are typically made to relationship customers and are secured by crop production, livestock and related real estate. These loans are vulnerable to two risk factors that are largely outside the control of Company and borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions.

Leases – Equipment leases are generally considered to possess a moderate inherent risk of loss. As lessor, the Company is subject to both the credit risk of the borrower and the residual value risk of the equipment. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

Residential 1st Mortgages and Home Equity Lines and Loans – These loans are generally considered to possess a lower inherent risk of loss. The degree of risk in residential real estate lending depends primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate and the borrower’s ability to repay in an orderly fashion. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak economic trends indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating.

Consumer & Other – A consumer installment loan portfolio is usually comprised of a large number of small loans scheduled to be amortized over a specific period. Most installment loans are made for consumer purchases. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak economic trends indicate that the borrowers’ capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating.

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At least quarterly, the Board of Directors reviews the adequacy of the allowance, including consideration of the relative risks in the portfolio, current economic conditions and other factors. If the Board of Directors and management determine that changes are warranted based on those reviews, the allowance is adjusted. In addition, the Company’s and Bank’s regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (“DFPI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as an integral part of their examination process, review the adequacy of the allowance. These regulatory agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available at the time of their examinations.

Acquired Loans

Loans acquired through purchase or through a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Credit discounts, which reflect estimates of credit losses, expected to be incurred over the life of the loan, are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company also maintains a separate allowance for off-balance-sheet commitments. Management estimates anticipated losses using historical data and utilization assumptions. The allowance for off-balance-sheet commitments is included in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Right of Use Lease Asset & Lease Liability

The Company leases retail space and office space under operating leases. Most leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and other similar costs in addition to the base rent. Certain leases also contain lease incentives, such as tenant improvement allowances and rent abatement. Variable lease payments are recognized as lease expense as they are incurred. We record an operating lease right of use (ROU) asset and an operating lease liability (lease liability) for operating leases with a lease term greater than 12 months. The ROU asset and lease liability are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statement of financial condition. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Accordingly, ROU assets are reduced by tenant improvement allowances from landlords plus any prepaid rent. We do not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement date. Many of our leases contain various provisions for increases in rental rates, based either on changes in the published Consumer Price Index or a predetermined escalation schedule, which are factored into our determination of lease payments when appropriate. A majority of the leases provide the Company with the option to extend the lease term one or more times following expiration of the initial term. The ROU asset and lease liability terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

The Company’s primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. The Company has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income was not necessary. The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is limited judgment involved in applying Topic 606 that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

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Premises and Equipment

Premises, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of buildings range from 30 to 40 years, and for furniture and equipment from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the terms of the respective leases, or their useful lives, which are generally five to ten years. Remodeling and capital improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged directly to occupancy expense.

Other Real Estate

Other real estate, which is included in other assets, is expected to be sold and is comprised of properties no longer utilized for business operations and property acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of indebtedness. These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs upon acquisition. Revised estimates to the fair value less cost to sell are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of the asset, provided that such adjusted value is not in excess of the carrying amount at acquisition. Initial losses on properties acquired through full or partial satisfaction of debt are treated as credit losses and charged to the allowance for credit losses at the time of acquisition. Subsequent declines in value from the recorded amounts, routine holding costs, and gains or losses upon disposition, if any, are included in non-interest expense as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method results in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities that are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The deferred provision for income taxes is the result of the net change in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year. This amount combined with the current taxes payable or refundable results in the income tax expense for the current year.

The Company follows the standards set forth in the “Income Taxes” topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 740, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. This standard prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

The Company accounts for leases with Investment Tax Credits (ITC) under the deferred method as established in ASC 740-10. ITC are viewed and accounted for as a reduction of the cost of the related assets and presented as deferred income on the Company’s financial statement.

The Company accounts for its interest in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) using the cost method as established in ASC 323-740. As an investor, the Company obtains income tax credits and deductions from the operating losses of these tax credit entities. The income tax credits and deductions are allocated to the investors based on their ownership percentages and are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense (or an increase to income tax benefit) and a reduction of federal income taxes payable.

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When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company had no material uncertain tax positions and recognized no interest or penalties. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

The Company’s common stock is not traded on any exchange. However, trades are reported on the OTCQX under the symbol “FMCB”. The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded. Basic earnings per common share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. There are no common stock equivalent shares. Therefore, diluted and basic earnings per common share are the same. See Note 9 – “Dividends and Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share” for additional information.

Segment Reporting

The “Segment Reporting” topic of the FASB ASC 280 requires that public companies report certain information about operating segments. It also requires that public companies report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major customers. The Company is a holding company for a community bank, which offers a wide array of products and services to its customers. Pursuant to its banking strategy, emphasis is placed on building relationships with its customers, as opposed to building specific lines of business. As a result, the Company is not organized around discernible lines of business and prefers to work as an integrated unit to customize solutions for its customers, with business line emphasis and product offerings changing over time as needs and demands change.

Comprehensive Income

The “Comprehensive Income” topic of the FASB ASC 220 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that U.S. GAAP recognize as changes in value to an enterprise but are excluded from net income. For the Company, comprehensive income includes net income, changes in fair value of its available-for-sale investment securities and amortization of net unrealized gains or losses on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of related taxes.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill that arises from a business combination is periodically evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, at least annually. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible (“CDI”) represents the estimated future benefit of deposits related to an acquisition and is booked separately from the related deposits and evaluated periodically for impairment. The CDI asset is amortized on a straight-line method over its estimated useful life of ten years.

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At September 30, 2021, the future estimated amortization expense for the CDI arising from our past acquisitions is as follows:

(in thousands)		2021				2022				2023				2024				2025				Thereafter				Total
Core Deposit Intangible Amortization		$	153			$	593			$	573			$	549			$	522			$	1,165			$	3,555

We make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit where goodwill is assigned is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value is more than its carrying amount, no impairment is recorded. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an interim basis if circumstances change or an event occurs between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment includes adverse events or circumstances identified that could negatively affect the reporting units’ fair value as well as positive and mitigating events. Such indicators may include, among others, a significant change in legal factors or in the general business climate, significant change in our stock price and market capitalization, unanticipated competition, and an action or assessment by a regulator. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value is recognized. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

2. Risks and Uncertainties

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us. Designated as an “essential business”, the Company’s subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, has kept all branches open and maintained regular business hours during these difficult times. Our staffing levels have remained stable during the COVID-19 crisis. We have taken what we believe are prudent measures to protect our employees and customers, while still providing core banking services.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law and was amended and extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“H.R. 133”) on December 21, 2020. Through this legislation, as well as related federal and state regulatory actions, the federal government has taken extraordinary efforts to provide financial assistance to individuals and companies to help them move through these difficult times. However, there are no guarantees how long the COVID-19 virus may continue to impact our economy, and therefore, the Company.

While tremendous strides have been made in fighting the virus, particularly with the development of a vaccine, the lingering effects of COVID-19 could have an adverse future impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, however, we are unable to predict the extent or nature of these impacts at the current time.

3. Investment Securities

The amortized cost, fair values, and unrealized gains and losses of the debt securities available-for-sale are as follows

(in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
September 30, 2021	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	9,922	$	228	$	-	$	10,150
U.S. Government Agency SBA		6,892		70		43		6,919
Mortgage-Backed Securities⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		270,667		4,243		5,341		269,569
Other		46,513		-		-		46,513
Total	$	333,994	$	4,541	$	5,384	$	333,151

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	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
December 31, 2020	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	14,859	$	429	$	-	$	15,288
U.S. Government Agency SBA		8,252		1		93		8,160
Mortgage-Backed Securities⁽¹⁾		720,562		17,359		48		737,873
Corporate Securities		45,010		927		18		45,919
Other		492		-		-		492
Total	$	789,175	$	18,716	$	159	$	807,732

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
September 30, 2020	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	94,830	$	512	$	-	$	95,342
U.S. Government Agency SBA		8,530		1		102		8,429
Mortgage-Backed Securities⁽¹⁾		421,263		18,050		39		439,274
Corporate Securities		25,002		159		98		25,063
Other		428		-		-		428
Total	$	550,053	$	18,722	$	239	$	568,536

⁽¹⁾	All Mortgage-Backed securities consist of securities collateralized by residential real estate and were issued by an agency or government-sponsored entity of the U.S. government.

⁽²⁾	During Q1 2021, the Company transferred $316.9 million of AFS securities to HTM.

The amortized cost, estimated fair values and unrealized gains and losses of investments classified as held-to-maturity are as follows (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
September 30, 2021	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions	$	62,936	$	768	$	-	$	63,704
Mortgage Backed Securities⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		487,682		48		11,126		476,604
Total	$	550,618	$	816	$	11,126	$	540,308

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
December 31, 2020	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions	$	68,933	$	1,116	$	-	$	70,049
Total	$	68,933	$	1,116	$	-	$	70,049

	Amortized Value		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
September 30, 2020	Amortized Value		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions	$	69,913	$	1,142	$	-	$	71,055
Total	$	69,913	$	1,142	$	-	$	71,055

⁽¹⁾	All Mortgage-Backed securities were issued by an agency or government-sponsored entity of the U.S. government.

⁽²⁾	During Q1 2021, the Company transferred $316.9 million of AFS securities to HTM.

As part of our ongoing review of our investment securities portfolio, we reassessed the classification of certain MBS securities. During the first quarter of 2021, we transferred $316.9 million of these securities, which we intend and have the ability to hold to maturity, from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity at fair value. The unrealized pre-tax loss of $2,000 at the date of transfer remained in accumulated other comprehensive income and is amortized to yield over the remaining lives of the securities.

Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes. If a quoted market price or dealer quote is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

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The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2021 by contractual maturity are shown in the following table (in thousands):

	Available-for-Sale				Held-to-Maturity
September 30, 2021	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Within one year	$	51,503	$	51,569	$	308	$	308
After one year through five years		5,100		5,262		6,969		7,012
After five years through ten years		563		566		19,543		20,254
After ten years		6,161		6,185		36,116		36,130
		63,327		63,582		62,936		63,704

Investment securities not due at a single maturity date:
Mortgage-Backed securities		270,667		269,569		487,682		476,604

Total	$	333,994	$	333,151	$	550,618	$	540,308

Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The following tables show those investments with gross unrealized losses and their market value aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at the dates indicated (in thousands):

	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
September 30, 2021	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss

Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. Government Agency SBA	$	188	$	1	$	2,141	$	42	$	2,329	$	43
Mortgage-Backed Securities		171,869		5,339		116		2		171,985		5,341
Total	$	172,057	$	5,340	$	2,257	$	44	$	174,314	$	5,384

Securities Held-to-Maturity
Mortgage Backed Securities		468,360		11,126		-		-	$	468,360	$	11,126
Total	$	468,360	$	11,126	$	-	$	-	$	468,360	$	11,126

	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
December 31, 2020	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss

Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. Government Agency SBA	$	1,741	$	3	$	6,126	$	90	$	7,867	$	93
Mortgage-Backed Securities		20,142		45		177		3		20,319		48
Corporate Securities		4,041		18		-		-		4,041		18
Total	$	25,924	$	66	$	6,303	$	93	$	32,227	$	159

There were no HTM investments with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2020.

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	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
September 30, 2020	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss

Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. Government Agency SBA	$	2,312	$	4	$	5,810	$	98	$	8,122	$	102
Mortgage-Backed Securities		20,741		35		194		4		20,935		39
Corporate Securities		10,363		98		-		-		10,363		98
Total	$	33,416	$	137	$	6,004	$	102	$	39,420	$	239

There were no HTM investments with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2020.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company held 590 investment securities of which 68 were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and 60 securities were in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other-than-temporary impairment relying primarily on industry analyst reports and observations of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. Management believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the underlying investment securities.

U.S. Treasury Notes – At September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, no U.S. Treasury Note security investments were in an unrealized loss position.

U.S. Government Agency SBA – At September 30, 2021, 4 U.S. Government SBA security investments were in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 44 were in a loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment in U.S. Government Agency SBA securities were $43,000, $93,000, and $102,000 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate fluctuations. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020.

Mortgage-Backed Securities – At September 30, 2021, 64 mortgage-backed security investments were in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 16 were in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities were $16.5 million, $48,000, and $39,000 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The unrealized losses were caused by interest rate fluctuations. The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by an agency or government-sponsored entity of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company's investment. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020.

Corporate Securities - At September 30, 2021, we had no corporate securities in our portfolio, having sold all positions during the second quarter of 2021. The unrealized loss on the Company’s investment in the corporate securities were $0, $18,000 and $98,000 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively. Changes in the prices of corporate securities are primarily influenced by: (1) changes in market interest rates; (2) changes in perceived credit risk in the general economy or in particular industries; (3) changes in the perceived credit risk of a particular company; and (4) day to day trading supply, demand and liquidity. The Company monitors the status of each of our corporate securities and at the current time does not believe any of them to be exhibiting financial problems that could result in a loss in any individual security. Because the Company did not intend to sell the securities and it was more likely than not that the Company would not have to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020.

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Other Securities – At September 30, 2021, none of the other securities were in an unrealized loss position. Other securities consisted of Money Market accounts held at investment brokerages.

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions – At September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30,2020, no obligation of states and political subdivisions was in an unrealized loss position. As of September 30, 2021, the Company’s bank-qualified municipal bond portfolio was rated at either the issue or issuer level, and all of these ratings are “investment grade.” The Company monitors the status of all municipal investments in the portfolio and at the current time does not believe any of them to be exhibiting financial problems that could result in a loss in any individual security.

Proceeds from sales and calls of securities for the periods shown were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2021		2020		2021		2020
Proceeds	$	1,450	$	50,620	$	301,320	$	53,620
Gains		-		-		5,570		13
Losses		-		-		3,016		-

Pledged Securities

As of September 30, 2021, securities carried at $445.2 million were pledged to secure public deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, and other government agency deposits as required by law. This amount was $439.7 million at December 31, 2020, and $333.2 million at September 30, 2020.

4. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock and Other Equity Securities, at Cost

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock and other equity securities are carried at cost, classified as restricted securities, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. FHLB stock and other equity securities are reported in Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $15.5 million at September 30, 2021, and $12.7 at December 31, 2020 and September 2020.

5. Loans & Leases

Loans & Leases consisted of the following:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2020
Commercial Real Estate	$	1,126,230	$	971,326	$	887,999
Agricultural Real Estate		656,337		643,014		639,172
Real Estate Construction		178,451		185,741		186,623
Residential 1st Mortgages		309,728		299,379		293,489
Home Equity Lines & Loans		31,664		34,239		35,875
Agricultural		235,085		264,372		252,031
Commercial		394,326		374,816		367,052
Consumer & Other⁽¹⁾		129,665		235,529		359,697
Leases		90,022		103,117		105,511
Total Gross Loans & Leases		3,151,508		3,111,533		3,127,449
Less: Unearned Income		11,707		11,941		15,518
Subtotal		3,139,801		3,099,592		3,111,931
Less: Allowance for Credit Losses		60,303		58,862		56,798
Net Loans & Leases	$	3,079,498	$	3,040,730	$	3,055,133

(1)	Includes CARES Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program loans of $121,182, $224,309 and $347,180 as of September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

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Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) ... Under the CARES Act and H.R. 133 (see “Note 2 – Risks and Uncertainties”) the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) was directed by Congress to provide loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees to assist these businesses in meeting their payroll and other financial obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These government guaranteed loans are made with an interest rate of 1%, a risk weight of 0% under risk-based capital rules, have a term of two to five years, and under certain conditions the SBA will forgive them. The Bank actively participated in the PPP, and since April, 2020 the Bank has funded $494.9 million of loans for over 2,000 small business customers.

At September 30, 2021, the portion of loans that were approved for pledging as collateral on borrowing lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) were $1 billion and $742.4 million, respectively. The borrowing capacity on these loans were $749.5 million from FHLB and $467.8 million from the FRB.

6. Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company was originally scheduled to implement ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”) as of January 1, 2020. The CARES Act and H.R. 133 provide the election to defer CECL implementation until January 1, 2022. The Company has elected to delay CECL implementation.

The following tables show the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology at the dates indicated (in thousands):

September 30, 2021	Commercial Real Estate			Agricultural Real Estate		Real Estate Construction			Residential 1st Mortgages			Home Equity Lines & Loans			Agricultural			Commercial		Consumer & Other			Leases			Unallocated			Total

Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- December 31, 2020	$	27,679		$	8,633	$	1,643		$	960		$	2,024		$	4,814		$	9,961	$	333		$	1,731		$	1,084		$	58,862
Charge-Offs		-			-		-			-			-			-			-		(33	)		-			-			(33	)
Recoveries		-			-		-			74			17			29			83		21			-			-			224
Provision		1,200			794		(210	)		(70	)		(129	)		(238	)		738		(23	)		(872	)		60			1,250
Ending Balance- September 30, 2021	$	28,879		$	9,427	$	1,433		$	964		$	1,912		$	4,605		$	10,782	$	298		$	859		$	1,144		$	60,303
Third Quarter Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- June 30, 2021	$	28,890		$	9,107	$	1,405		$	957		$	1,899		$	4,552		$	9,920	$	281		$	1,639		$	1,579		$	60,229
Charge-Offs		-			-		-			-			-			-			-		(17	)		-			-			(17	)
Recoveries		-			-		-			15			6			24			38		8			-			-			91
Provision		(11	)		320		28			(8	)		7			29			824		26			(780	)		(435	)		-
Ending Balance- September 30, 2021	$	28,879		$	9,427	$	1,433		$	964		$	1,912		$	4,605		$	10,782	$	298		$	859		$	1,144		$	60,303
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		-			-		-			88			6			-			6		40			-			-			140
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		28,879			9,427		1,433			876			1,906			4,605			10,776		258			859			1,144			60,163
Loans & Leases:
Ending Balance	$	1,114,149		$	656,337	$	178,451		$	309,728		$	31,664		$	235,085		$	394,326	$	129,665		$	90,396		$	-		$	3,139,801
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		74			-		-			1,764			112			6,129			218		178			-			-			8,475
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$	1,114,075		$	656,337	$	178,451		$	307,964		$	31,552		$	228,956		$	394,108	$	129,487		$	90,396		$	-		$	3,131,326

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December 31, 2020	Commercial Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate			Real Estate Construction			Residential 1st Mortgages		Home Equity Lines & Loans			Agricultural			Commercial			Consumer & Other			Leases			Unallocated		Total

Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- December 31, 2019	$	11,053	$	15,128		$	1,949		$	855	$	2,675		$	8,076		$	11,466		$	456		$	3,162		$	192	$	55,012
Charge-Offs		-		-			-			-		(7	)		-			(1,101	)		(66	)		-			-		(1,174	)
Recoveries		-		-			-			52		78			81			280			33			-			-		524
Provision		16,626		(6,495	)		(306	)		53		(722	)		(3,343	)		(684	)		(90	)		(1,431	)		892		4,500
Ending Balance- December 31, 2020	$	27,679	$	8,633		$	1,643		$	960	$	2,024		$	4,814		$	9,961		$	333		$	1,731		$	1,084	$	58,862
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		-		-			-			117		8			92			20			52			-			-		289
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		27,679		8,633			1,643			843		2,016			4,722			9,941			281			1,731			1,084		58,573
Loans & Leases:
Ending Balance	$	958,980	$	643,014		$	185,741		$	299,379	$	34,239		$	264,372		$	374,816		$	235,529		$	103,522		$	-	$	3,099,592
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		104		5,629			-			2,365		158			495			233			254			-			-		9,238
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$	958,876	$	637,385		$	185,741		$	297,014	$	34,081		$	263,877		$	374,583		$	235,275		$	103,522		$	-	$	3,090,354

September 30, 2020	Commercial Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate			Real Estate Construction			Residential 1st Mortgages			Home Equity Lines & Loans			Agricultural			Commercial			Consumer & Other			Leases			Unallocated			Total

Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- December 31, 2019	$	11,053	$	15,128		$	1,949		$	855		$	2,675		$	8,076		$	11,466		$	456		$	3,162		$	192		$	55,012
Charge-Offs		-		-			-			-			(7	)		-			(426	)		(54	)		-			-			(487	)
Recoveries		-		-			-			49			65			54			80			25			-			-			273
Provision		13,236		(6,336	)		(381	)		45			(617	)		(3,458	)		(1,127	)		(63	)		(248	)		949			2,000
Ending Balance- September 30, 2020	$	24,289	$	8,792		$	1,568		$	949		$	2,116		$	4,672		$	9,993		$	364		$	2,914		$	1,141		$	56,798
Third Quarter Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- June 30, 2020	$	21,423	$	9,021		$	1,452		$	1,771		$	2,239		$	4,790		$	10,043		$	359		$	2,800		$	1,160		$	55,058
Charge-Offs		-		-			-			-			-			-			-			(25	)		-			-			(25	)
Recoveries		-		-			-			3			31			24			-			7			-			-			65
Provision		2,866		(229	)		116			(825	)		(154	)		(142	)		(50	)		23			114			(19	)		1,700
Ending Balance- September 30, 2020	$	24,289	$	8,792		$	1,568		$	949		$	2,116		$	4,672		$	9,993		$	364		$	2,914		$	1,141		$	56,798
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		-		-			-			118			8			92			13			56			-			-			287
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		24,289		8,792			1,568			831			2,108			4,580			9,980			308			2,914			1,141			56,511
Loans & Leases:
Ending Balance	$	871,623	$	639,172		$	186,623		$	293,489		$	35,875		$	252,031		$	367,052		$	359,697		$	106,369		$	-		$	3,111,931
Ending Balance Individually Evaluated for Impairment		108		5,629			-			2,390			164			498			235			194			-			-			9,218
Ending Balance Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$	871,515	$	633,543		$	186,623		$	291,099		$	35,711		$	251,533		$	366,817		$	359,503		$	106,369		$	-		$	3,102,713

The ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment includes restructured loans in the amount of $327,200 at September 30, 2021, $876,000 at December 31, 2020, and $828,500 at September 30, 2020, which are no longer disclosed or classified as TDRs since they were restructured at market terms.

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The following tables show the loan & lease portfolio, including unearned income, allocated by management’s internal risk ratings at the dates indicated (in thousands):

September 30, 2021	Pass⁽¹⁾		Special Mention		Substandard		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	1,098,929	$	7,371	$	7,849	$	1,114,149
Agricultural Real Estate		646,486		3,312		6,539		656,337
Real Estate Construction		178,451		-		-		178,451
Residential 1st Mortgages		308,960		-		768		309,728
Home Equity Lines & Loans		31,490		-		174		31,664
Agricultural		233,493		1,018		574		235,085
Commercial		384,660		8,970		696		394,326
Consumer & Other		129,450		-		215		129,665
Leases		90,396		-		-		90,396
Total	$	3,102,315	$	20,671	$	16,815	$	3,139,801

(1)	Includes "Watch" loans of $954.4 million.

December 31, 2020	Pass⁽¹⁾		Special Mention		Substandard		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	946,621	$	7,849	$	4,510	$	958,980
Agricultural Real Estate		631,043		400		11,571		643,014
Real Estate Construction		185,741		-		-		185,741
Residential 1st Mortgages		298,689		-		690		299,379
Home Equity Lines & Loans		34,058		-		181		34,239
Agricultural		263,781		96		495		264,372
Commercial		373,038		1,060		718		374,816
Consumer & Other		235,063		-		466		235,529
Leases		103,522		-		-		103,522
Total	$	3,071,556	$	9,405	$	18,631	$	3,099,592

(1)	Includes "Watch" loans of $958.2 million.

September 30, 2020	Pass⁽¹⁾		Special Mention		Substandard		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	861,874	$	5,239	$	4,510	$	871,623
Agricultural Real Estate		624,859		1,525		12,788		639,172
Real Estate Construction		186,623		-		-		186,623
Residential 1st Mortgages		292,792		-		697		293,489
Home Equity Lines & Loans		35,691		-		184		35,875
Agricultural		251,108		-		923		252,031
Commercial		364,465		1,316		1,271		367,052
Consumer & Other		359,194		-		503		359,697
Leases		106,369		-		-		106,369
Total	$	3,082,975	$	8,080	$	20,876	$	3,111,931

(1)	Includes "Watch" loans of $947.4 million.

See “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Credit Losses” for a description of the internal risk ratings used by the Company. There were no loans or leases outstanding at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, rated doubtful or loss.

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The following tables show an aging analysis of the loan & lease portfolio, including unearned income, past due at the dates indicated (in thousands):

September 30, 2021	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days and Still Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	453	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	453	$	1,113,696	$	1,114,149
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		19		19		656,318		656,337
Real Estate Construction		-		-		-		-		-		178,451		178,451
Residential 1st Mortgages		102		-		-		-		102		309,626		309,728
Home Equity Lines & Loans		-		-		-		-		-		31,664		31,664
Agricultural		-		-		-		497		497		234,588		235,085
Commercial		50		-		-		-		50		394,276		394,326
Consumer & Other		5		-		-		-		5		129,660		129,665
Leases		-		-		-		-		-		90,396		90,396
Total	$	610	$	-	$	-	$	516	$	1,126	$	3,138,675	$	3,139,801

December 31, 2020	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days and Still Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	958,980	$	958,980
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		495		495		642,519		643,014
Real Estate Construction		-		-		-		-		-		185,741		185,741
Residential 1st Mortgages		-		-		-		-		-		299,379		299,379
Home Equity Lines & Loans		-		-		-		-		-		34,239		34,239
Agricultural		-		-		-		-		-		264,372		264,372
Commercial		-		-		-		-		-		374,816		374,816
Consumer & Other		11		-		-		-		11		235,518		235,529
Leases		-		-		-		-		-		103,522		103,522
Total	$	11	$	-	$	-	$	495	$	506	$	3,099,086	$	3,099,592

September 30, 2020	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days and Still Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans & Leases
Loans & Leases:
Commercial Real Estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	871,623	$	871,623
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		498		498		638,674		639,172
Real Estate Construction		85		-		-		-		85		186,538		186,623
Residential 1st Mortgages		-		-		-		-		-		293,489		293,489
Home Equity Lines & Loans		-		-		-		-		-		35,875		35,875
Agricultural		-		-		-		-		-		252,031		252,031
Commercial		547		-		-		-		547		366,505		367,052
Consumer & Other		67		-		-		-		67		359,630		359,697
Leases		-		-		-		-		-		106,369		106,369
Total	$	699	$	-	$	-	$	498	$	1,197	$	3,110,734	$	3,111,931

Non-accrual loans & leases were $516,000 at September 30, 2021, $495,000 at December 31, 2020 and $498,000 at September 30, 2020. Foregone interest income on non-accrual loans & leases, which would have been recognized during the period, if all such loans & leases had been current in accordance with their original terms, totaled $35,700, $22,000, and $15,530 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 respectively.

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The following tables show information related to impaired loans & leases for the periods indicated (in thousands):

							Three Months Ended September 30, 2021				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
September 30, 2021	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	65	$	65	$	-	$	73	$	1	$	52	$	2
Agricultural Real Estate		5,613		5,613		-		5,621		88		5,626		324
Agricultural		516		559		-		504		12		415		46
Commercial		8		8		-		9		-		5		-
	$	6,202	$	6,245	$	-	$	6,207	$	101	$	6,098	$	372
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	28	$	3
Residential 1st Mortgages		1,503		1,719		75		1,585		16		1,638		52
Home Equity Lines & Loans		60		71		3		61		1		62		3
Agricultural		-		-		-		-		-		82		-
Commercial		210		210		6		213		4		222		12
Consumer & Other		178		179		40		181		3		185		10
	$	1,951	$	2,179	$	124	$	2,040	$	24	$	2,217	$	80
Total	$	8,153	$	8,424	$	124	$	8,247	$	125	$	8,315	$	452

December 31, 2020	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	84	$	84	$	-	$	764	$	35
Agricultural Real Estate		5,629		5,629		-		5,629		352
Agricultural		3		3		-		2		-
Commercial		-		-		-		377		16
	$	5,716	$	5,716	$	-	$	6,772	$	403
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	21	$	1
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		137		-
Residential 1st Mortgages		1,671		1,895		84		1,652		76
Home Equity Lines & Loans		64		75		3		66		4
Agricultural		492		534		92		410		59
Commercial		234		234		13		123		18
Consumer & Other		190		191		56		194		13
	$	2,651	$	2,929	$	248	$	2,603	$	171
Total	$	8,367	$	8,645	$	248	$	9,375	$	574

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							Three Months Ended September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	84	$	84	$	-	$	42	$	2	$	991	$	33
Agricultural Real Estate		5,629		5,629		-		5,629		88		5,633		264
Agricultural		5		6		-		3		-		1		-
Commercial		-		-		-		-		-		503		16
	$	5,718	$	5,719	$	-	$	5,674	$	90	$	7,128	$	313
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial Real Estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	42	$	-	$	498	$	1
Agricultural Real Estate		-		-		-		-		-		183		-
Residential 1st Mortgages		1,686		1,909		84		1,694		18		1,625		58
Home Equity Lines & Loans		65		76		3		66		1		67		3
Agricultural		492		534		92		483		7		333		52
Commercial		235		235		13		123		13		301		15
Consumer & Other		194		195		56		195		3		196		10
	$	2,672	$	2,949	$	248	$	2,603	$	42	$	3,203	$	139
Total	$	8,390	$	8,668	$	248	$	8,277	$	132	$	10,331	$	452

Total recorded investment shown in the prior table will not equal the total ending balance of loans & leases individually evaluated for impairment on the allocation of allowance table. This is because this table does not include impaired loans that were previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, are currently performing and are no longer disclosed or classified as TDR’s since they were restructured at market terms.

Since April 2020, we have restructured $278.1 million of loans under the CARES Act and H.R. 133 guidelines. As of September 30, 2021, all of these loans have returned to making principal and/or interest payments. We believe that these actions have assisted these borrowers in getting through these difficult times, but no guarantees can be made that at some time in the future these loans will not be required to be accounted for as a TDR. For borrowers who were 30 days or more past due when enrolling in a loan modification program related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated the loan modifications under our existing TDR framework, and where such a loan modification would have resulted in a more than insignificant concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the loan was accounted for as a TDR and would generally not accrue interest. See “Note 2 – Risks and Uncertainties” for additional information on the CARES Act and H.R. 133, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company.

At September 30, 2021, there were no formal foreclosure proceedings in process for consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties.

At September 30, 2021, the Company allocated $123,800 of specific reserves to $8.1 million of troubled debt restructured loans & leases, of which $7.6 million were performing. The Company had no commitments at September 30, 2021, to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans or leases that are classified as TDRs.

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, there were no loans or leases modified as a troubled debt restructuring.

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, the year ended December 31, 2020, and the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 there were no payment defaults on loans or leases modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification. The Company considers a loan or lease to be in payment default once it is greater than 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

At December 31, 2020, there were no formal foreclosure proceedings in process for consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties.

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At December 31, 2020, the Company allocated $158,000 of specific reserves to $7.9 million of troubled debt restructured loans, all of which were performing. The Company had no commitments at December 31, 2020 to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan.

Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan were for 5 years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date range from 3 months to 10 years.

The following table presents loans or leases by class modified as troubled debt restructured loans or leases for the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2020
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Residential 1st Mortgages		2	$	156	$	156
Agricultural		3		495		495
Commercial		1		224		224
Total		6	$	875	$	875

The troubled debt restructurings described above increased the allowance for credit losses by $120,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no payment defaults on loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification.

At September 30, 2020, there were no formal foreclosure proceedings in process for consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties.

At September 30, 2020, the Company allocated $156,000 of specific reserves to $7.9 million of troubled debt restructured loans & leases, all of which were performing. The Company had no commitments at September 30, 2020, to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans or leases that were classified as TDRs.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, there were six loans modified as a troubled debt restructuring. The modifications involved a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loans for 5 years and extended the maturity dates for 10 years.

The following table presents loans or leases by class modified as troubled debt restructured loans or leases during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020						Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Residential 1st Mortgages		-	$	-	$	-		2	$	156	$	156
Agricultural		-		-		-		3		495		495
Commercial		1		224		224		1		224		224
Total		1	$	224	$	224		6	$	875	$	875

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TDRs described above had minimal impact on the allowance for credit losses and resulted in charge-offs of $7,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020.

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, there were no payment defaults on loans or leases modified as troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification. The Company considers a loan or lease to be in payment default once it is greater than 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

7. Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows the “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures” topic of the FASB ASC 820, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard applies whenever other standards require, or permit, assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. In this standard, the FASB clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, this standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

Management monitors the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in economic conditions or model-based valuation techniques may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. In such instances, the transfer is reported at the beginning of the reporting period.

Management evaluates the significance of transfers between levels based upon the nature of the financial instrument and size of the transfer relative to total assets, total liabilities or total earnings.

Securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value on a recurring basis utilizing Level 1, 2 and 3 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

The Company does not record all loans & leases at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan or lease is considered impaired and an allowance for credit losses is established. Once a loan or lease is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with the “Receivable” topic of the FASB ASC 310. The fair value of impaired loans or leases is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value when the loan is collateral dependent, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, and discounted cash flows. Impaired loans & leases not requiring an allowance represent loans & leases for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans & leases. Impaired loans & leases where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of collateral dependent impaired loans is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including sales comparison, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are often made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to take into account differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for Level 3 nonrecurring impaired loans is primarily the sales comparison approach less selling costs of 10%.

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Other Real Estate (“ORE”) is reported at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair values are based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may use a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including sales comparison, cost and the income approach. Adjustments are often made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to take into account differences between the comparable sales and income and other available data. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The valuation technique used for Level 3 nonrecurring ORE is primarily the sales comparison approach less selling costs of 10%.

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated.

			Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2021, Using
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
(in thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Available-for-Sale Securities:
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	10,150	$	10,150	$	-	$	-
U.S. Government Agency SBA		6,919		-		6,919		-
Mortgage-Backed Securities		269,569		-		269,569		-
Other		46,513		46,203		310		-
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis	$	333,151	$	56,353	$	276,798	$	-

			Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2020, Using
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
(in thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Available-for-Sale Securities:
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	15,288	$	15,288	$	-	$	-
U.S. Government Agency SBA		8,160		-		8,160		-
Mortgage-Backed Securities		737,873		-		737,873		-
Corporate Securities		45,919		-		45,919		-
Other		492		182		310		-
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis	$	807,732	$	15,470	$	792,262	$	-

			Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2020, Using
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
(in thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Available-for-Sale Securities:
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	95,342	$	95,342	$	-	$	-
U.S. Government Agency SBA		8,429		-		8,429		-
Mortgage-Backed Securities		439,274		-		439,274		-
Corporate Securities		25,063		-		25,063		-
Other		428		118		310		-
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis	$	568,536	$	95,460	$	473,076	$	-

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Fair values for Level 2 available-for-sale investment securities are based on quoted market prices for similar securities. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, there were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3.

The following tables present information about the Company’s other real estate and impaired loans or leases, classes of assets or liabilities that the Company carries at fair value on a non-recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value for the periods indicated. Not all impaired loans or leases are carried at fair value. Impaired loans or leases are only included in the following tables when their fair value is based upon a current appraisal of the collateral, and if that appraisal results in a partial charge-off or the establishment of a specific reserve.

			Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2021, Using
(in thousands)	Fair Value Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,423	$	-	$	-	$	1,423
Home Equity Lines & Loans		57		-		-		57
Commercial		204		-		-		204
Consumer		138		-		-		138
Total Impaired Loans		1,822		-		-		1,822
Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction		873		-		-		873
Total Other Real Estate		873		-		-		873
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis	$	2,695	$	-	$	-	$	2,695

			Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2020, Using
(in thousands)	Fair Value Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,584	$	-	$	-	$	1,584
Home Equity Lines & Loans		61		-		-		61
Agricultural		400		-		-		400
Commercial		213		-		-		213
Consumer		138		-		-		138
Total Impaired Loans		2,396		-		-		2,396
Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction		873		-		-		873
Total Other Real Estate		873		-		-		873
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis	$	3,269	$	-	$	-	$	3,269

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			Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2020, Using
(in thousands)	Fair Value Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,599	$	-	$	-	$	1,599
Home Equity Lines & Loans		62		-		-		62
Agricultural		400		-		-		400
Commercial		222		-		-		222
Consumer		138		-		-		138
Total Impaired Loans	$	2,421	$	-	$	-	$	2,421
Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction		873		-		-		873
Total Other Real Estate		873		-		-		873
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value On a Non-Recurring Basis	$	3,294	$	-	$	-	$	3,294

The Company’s property appraisals are primarily based on the sales comparison approach and the income approach methodologies, which consider recent sales of comparable properties, including their income generating characteristics, and then make adjustments to reflect the general assumptions that a market participant would make when analyzing the property for purchase. These adjustments may increase or decrease an appraised value and can vary significantly depending on the location, physical characteristics and income producing potential of each property. Additionally, the quality and volume of market information available at the time of the appraisal can vary from period to period and cause significant changes to the nature and magnitude of comparable sale adjustments. Given these variations, comparable sale adjustments are generally not a reliable indicator for how fair value will increase or decrease from period to period. Under certain circumstances, management discounts are applied based on specific characteristics of an individual property.

The following tables present quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at the dates indicated.

September 30, 2021
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range, Weighted Avg.
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,423	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		0.68% - 4.02%, 2.54	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans	$	57	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		1.1% - 1.3%, 1.20	%
Commercial	$	204	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%
Consumer	$	138	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%

Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction	$	873	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		10%, 10	%

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December 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range, Weighted Avg.
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,584	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		0.72% - 4.13%, 2.57	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans	$	61	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		1.1% - 1.4%, 1.25	%
Agricultural	$	400	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%
Commercial	$	213	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%
Consumer	$	138	Income Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		10%, 10	%

Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction	$	873	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		10%, 10	%

September 30, 2020
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range, Weighted Avg.
Impaired Loans:
Residential 1st Mortgage	$	1,599	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		0.73% - 4.16%, 2.58	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans	$	62	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		1.1% - 1.4%, 1.28	%
Agricultural	$	400	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%
Commercial	$	222	Income Approach	Capitalization Rate		10%, 10	%
Consumer	$	138	Income Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		10%, 10	%

Other Real Estate:
Real Estate Construction	$	873	Sales Comparison Approach	Adjustment for Difference Between Comparable Sales		10%, 10	%

8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate that value. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The use of assumptions and various valuation techniques, as well as the absence of secondary markets for certain financial instruments, will likely reduce the comparability of fair value disclosures between financial institutions. In some cases, book value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short period of time between origination of the instrument and its expected realization. The fair value of loans held for investment, excluding previously presented impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses consistent with ASC 820. The discount rates used to determine fair value use interest rate spreads that reflect factors such as liquidity, risk premium, credit, and non-performance risk of the loans. Loans are considered a Level 3 classification.

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The following tables summarize the book value and estimated fair value of financial instruments for the periods indicated:

			Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using
September 30, 2021 (in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	870,763	$	870,763	$	-	$	-	$	870,763

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale		333,151		56,353		276,798		-		333,151

Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity		550,618		-		499,432		40,876		540,308

Loans & Leases, Net		3,079,498		-		-		3,090,187		3,090,187
Accrued Interest Receivable		18,762		-		18,762		-		18,762

Liabilities:
Deposits		4,568,394		4,174,561		-		394,158		4,568,719
Subordinated Debentures		10,310		-		6,830		-		6,830
Accrued Interest Payable		451		-		451		-		451

			Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using
December 31, 2020 (in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	383,837	$	383,837	$	-	$	-	$	383,837

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale		807,732		15,470		792,262		-		807,732

Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity		68,933		-		26,262		43,787		70,049

Loans & Leases, Net		3,040,730		-		-		3,045,911		3,045,911
Accrued Interest Receivable		20,333		-		20,333		-		20,333

Liabilities:
Deposits		4,060,267		3,638,400		-		422,840		4,061,240
Subordinated Debentures		10,310		-		6,888		-		6,888
Accrued Interest Payable		1,383		-		1,383		-		1,383

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			Fair Value of Financial Instruments Using
September 30, 2020 (in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	358,368	$	358,368	$	-	$	-	$	358,368

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale		568,536		95,460		473,076		-		568,536

Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity		69,913		-		28,244		42,811		71,055

Loans & Leases, Net		3,055,133		-		-		3,065,624		3,065,624
Accrued Interest Receivable		22,596		-		22,596		-		22,596

Liabilities:
Deposits		3,814,777		3,354,528		-		461,754		3,816,282
Subordinated Debentures		10,310		-		6,518		-		6,518
Accrued Interest Payable		1,618		-		1,618		-		1,618

9. Dividends and Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp common stock is not traded on any exchange. The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded. However, trades are reported on the OTCQX under the symbol “FMCB”.

On May 13, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a mid-year cash dividend of $7.50 per share, a 3.4% increase over the $7.25 per share paid on July 1, 2020. The cash dividend was paid on July 1, 2021, to shareholders of record on June 11, 2021.

Basic earnings per common share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company has no securities or other contracts, such as stock options, that could require the issuance of additional common stock. Accordingly, diluted earnings per share are equal to basic earnings per share.

The following table calculates the basic earnings per common share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(net income in thousands)	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net Income	$	17,502	$	14,810	$	50,368	$	43,241
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding		789,646		793,556		789,646		793,539
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	22.16	$	18.66	$	63.79	$	54.49

10. Leases

Lessee – Operating Leases

Operating leases in which we are the lessee are recorded as operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities, included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. We do not currently have any significant finance leases in which we are the lessee.

Operating lease ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the remaining lease payments using a discount rate that represents our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. ROU assets are further adjusted for lease incentives. Operating lease expense, which is comprised of amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and is recorded net in occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of income.

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Our leases relate primarily to office space and bank branches with remaining lease terms of generally one to ten years. Certain lease arrangements contain extension options which typically range from five to ten years at the then fair market rental rates. ASC 842 requires lessees to evaluate whether option periods, if available, will be exercised in order to determine the full life of the lease. The Company used the first option period, unless it is a relatively new lease that has a long initial lease term or other extenuating circumstances.

As of September 30, 2021, operating lease ROU assets and liabilities were $4.19 million and $4.29 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, operating lease ROU assets and liabilities were $4.80 million and $4.92 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, operating lease ROU assets and liabilities were $4.47 million and $4.55 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2021, early termination of one lease resulted in a reduction to ROU assets and liabilities of $482,000 and $494,000, respectively. In the third quarter of 2021, a new modification to renew a lease for five more years resulted in an addition to ROU assets and liabilities of $302,000.

The table below summarizes the information related to our operating leases:

(in thousands except for percent and period data)	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021			Year Ended December 31, 2020			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities
Operating Cash Flow from Operating Leases	$	536		$	795		$	594
Right-of-Use Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Operating Lease Liabilities	$	302		$	-		$	-
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term - Operating Leases, in Years		6.76			7.33			7.29
Weighted-Average Discount Rate - Operating Leases		2.6	%		2.9	%		3.2	%

The table below summarizes the maturity of remaining lease liability:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2021
2021	$	174
2022		702
2023		714
2024		730
2025		741
2026 and thereafter		1,602
Total Lease Payments		4,663
Less: Interest		(377	)
Present Value of Lease Liabilities	$	4,286

As of September 30, 2021, we have no additional operating leases for office space that have not yet commenced or that are anticipated to commence during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Lessor - Direct Financing Leases

The Company is the lessor in direct finance lease arrangements. Leases are recorded at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned income and charge-offs. Interest income is recognized using the interest method. Leases typically have a maturity of three to ten years, and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

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Lease payments due to the Company are typically fixed and paid in equal installments over the lease term. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate (e.g., property taxes) that are paid directly by the Company are minimal. The majority of property taxes are paid directly by the client to a third party and are not considered part of variable payments and therefore are not recorded by the Company.

As a lessor, the Company leases certain types of agriculture equipment, solar equipment, construction equipment and other equipment to its customers. The Company’s net investment in direct financing leases was $90.4 million at September 30, 2021, $103.5 million at December 31, 2020, and $106.4 million at September 30, 2020.

11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2021

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The updated guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improves the consistent application of GAAP by clarifying and amending other existing guidance. We adopted this ASU prospectively on January 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Accounting Guidance Pending Adoption at September 30, 2021

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). The amendments in this ASU are elective and provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU may be elected as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may choose to elect the amendments in this update at an interim period subsequent to March 12, 2020 with adoption methods varying based on transaction type. We have not elected to apply these amendments. However, we will assess the applicability of the ASU to us and continue to monitor guidance for reference rate reform from FASB and its impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). The main amendments in this ASU are intended to clarify certain optional expedients and scope of derivative instruments. The amendments are elective and effective immediately upon issuance of this ASU. Amendments may be elected through December 31, 2022. We have not elected to apply amendments at this time, however, will assess the applicability of this ASU to us as we continue to monitor guidance for reference rate reform from FASB and its impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the major factors that influenced our financial performance for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021. This analysis should be read in conjunction with our 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K, and with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes as set forth in this report.

Forward–Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements, usually containing the words “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” or similar expressions and includes assumptions concerning Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “we”) operations, future results, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors which could cause the actual results of events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.

Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) economic conditions in the Central Valley of California; (2) significant changes in interest rates and loan prepayment speeds; (3) credit risks of lending and investment activities; (4) changes in federal and state banking laws or regulations; (5) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (6) changes in governmental fiscal or monetary policies; (7) uncertainty regarding the economic outlook resulting from the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the U.S. or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism; (8) water management issues in California and the resulting impact on the Company’s agricultural customers; (9) expansion into new geographic markets and new lines of business; (10) the impact of COVID-19 on the Company and its customers (see COVID-19 Disclosure below); and (11) other factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors located in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure

While tremendous strides have been made in fighting the COVID-19 virus, particularly with the development of a vaccine, the lingering effects of COVID-19 are still with us, and it is impossible to predict the future impact that this will have on our communities and customers.

Designated as an “essential business”, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California has kept all branches open and maintained regular business hours during this difficult time. Our staffing levels have remained stable during the COVID-19 crisis.

Impact on the Banking Industry

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law by Congress and was amended and extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“H.R. 133”) on December 21, 2020. The primary impact of this legislation, as well as related federal and state regulatory actions, is as follows:

•

Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) … The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) was directed by Congress to provide loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees to assist these businesses in meeting their payroll and other financial obligations over the next several months (H.R. 133 reduced the number of employees to 300 for “second draw” PPP loans). These government guaranteed loans are made with an interest rate of 1%, a risk weight of 0% under risk-based capital rules, have a term of two to five years, and under certain conditions the SBA can forgive them after eight or twenty-four weeks. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California has actively participated in the PPP, and since April 2020 we have funded $494.9 million of loans for over 2,000 of our small business customers. As of September 30, 2021, $121.2 million of these loans remain outstanding. Although these loans carry a nominal interest rate of 1%, the SBA will pay the banks an origination fee of 1-5% depending on the size of the loan. All fees have been capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the loans. The Company has collected $17.9 million in fees from the SBA and as of September 30, 2021, $13.5 million of these fees have been accreted into income, since inception. Since these loans are currently in the process of being forgiven by the SBA, the income statement impact to the Company in the fourth quarter of 2021 could be significant.

•

Temporary Relief from Troubled Debt Restructurings … The CARES Act and H.R. 133 provide financial institutions, under specific circumstances, the opportunity to temporarily suspend certain requirements under generally accepted accounting principles related to troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California has, and continues to, actively work with existing borrowers to restructure loans, primarily for up to six months, moving to either interest only payments or full deferral of principal and interest payments. After the deferral period ends, any deferred amounts would then be added to the final principal balance. We believe that these actions will assist these borrowers in getting through these difficult times, but no guaranties can be made that at some time in the future these loans will not be required to be accounted for as a TDR.

Since April 2020, we have restructured $278.1 million of loans under the CARES Act and H.R. 133 guidelines. As of September 30, 2021 all of these loans have returned to some form of payment status, whether interest-only or full principal and interest.

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•

Foreclosure Actions … The CARES Act and H.R. 133 restrict the ability of financial institutions to exercise their foreclosure rights on residential and multi-family properties backed by federally guaranteed mortgage loans. The State of California went further and temporarily suspended all residential and commercial foreclosures through September 30, 2021, but these guidelines have now expired. The Company continues to work with its borrowers when they make requests to defer payments on their mortgage loans.

•

CECL Implementation Deferral … The Company was originally scheduled to implement ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”) as of January 1, 2020. The CARES Act and H.R. 133 provide the election to defer CECL implementation until January 1, 2022. In addition, the national banking regulators have issued a joint statement allowing financial institutions to mitigate the effects of CECL in their regulatory capital calculations for up to two years. The Company has elected to delay CECL implementation.

Impact on Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California

Although as vaccination rates increase the impact of COVID-19 may diminish, the Company remains exposed to the following COVID-19 risks and uncertainties:

•	We may not be able to maintain staff levels in order to operate key activities of our business.

•

Our earnings may be affected by borrowers that cannot make payments on their loans. We have credit exposure to industries that have been impacted by either: (1) the public’s changing habits in response to the risks of COVID-19 (e.g., hotels, movie theaters, health clubs and restaurants); or (2) possible reinstatements of “shelter-in-place” orders by local, state and federal officials (e.g., small businesses determined to be “non-essential”).

•	Our liquidity position may be affected as a result of significant and unusual deposit outflows or loan drawdowns.

However, from a financial perspective, as reflected by the following September 30, 2021 measures, the Company enters the fourth quarter of 2021 with strong fundamentals which should assist us in continuing to respond to the risks of COVID-19:

•	Liquidity consisting of $804 million of Fed Funds Sold and $884 million of Investment Securities;

•	Strong Asset Quality as reflected by only $516,000 of non-performing loans, and a negligible delinquency ratio of .036% of total loans and leases;

•	Risk Based Capital Ratio of 13.28%;

•	Allowance for Credit Losses of $60.3 million or 1.92% of total loans and leases (2.00% exclusive of government fully guaranteed loans issued under the SBA’s PPP); and

•	ROAA of 1.39% and ROAE of 15.64% in third quarter 2021.

Our credit exposure to the “Hospitality” (primarily hotels) and “Entertainment” (primarily restaurants, health clubs and movie theaters) industries totals $153.5 million in loans and leases outstanding at September 30, 2021. This represents 4.9% of total loans and leases outstanding and 33.8% of total shareholders’ equity, both measures that are thought to be reasonable when compared to peers. Most of these loans: (1) were underwritten with an original LTV of 50-70% on the underlying real estate, providing us what should be adequate collateral coverage; and (2) have financially strong guarantors with liquidity that provides additional protection. Over and above the impact on the Hospitality and Entertainment industries there has been a general economic slowdown in some areas as a result of COVID-19. The Central Valley of California has been and should continue to be in a better position than other areas to weather this impact because agricultural activity has substantially continued. Although the financial position of these borrowers has improved over the past three months as the economy has opened up, we continue to monitor the impact on our borrowers, and continue to work closely with them using all of the tools at our disposal to help them move through this period of reduced business activity.

Although our 2021 financial performance could still be negatively impacted by sustained low interest rates and the potential for increased borrower stress, the full extent of this impact cannot be determined at this time. Additionally, these negative impacts may be somewhat mitigated by the fees paid by the SBA under the PPP. We believe that we are well positioned to continue moving through this difficult period with sustained profitability.

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Introduction

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, or the Company, is a bank holding company formed March 10, 1999. Its subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, or the Bank, is a California state-chartered bank formed in 1916. Banking services are provided in twenty-nine full-service branches and three stand-alone ATM’s in the Company’s service area. The service area includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Contra Costa, Napa and Solano Counties with branches in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Linden, Modesto, Turlock, Hilmar, Merced, Manteca, Riverbank, Napa, Walnut Creek, Concord, Rio Vista, Walnut Grove and Lockeford.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The Bank is a California state-chartered non-FRB member bank subject to the regulation and examination of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (“DFPI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Overview

Although the Company has initiated efforts to expand its geographic footprint into the East Bay area of San Francisco and Napa, California (see Item 1: Business – Service Area located in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K), the Company’s primary service area remains the mid Central Valley of California. Accordingly, discussion of the Company’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations is influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers (e.g., during the spring and summer customers draw down their deposit balances and increase loan borrowing to fund the purchase of equipment and planting of crops. Correspondingly, deposit balances are replenished and loans repaid in late fall and winter as crops are harvested and sold).

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $17,502,000 and $50,368,000, earnings per share of $22.16 and $63.79 and return on average assets of 1.39% and 1.39%, respectively. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 15.64% and 15.37% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $14,810,000 and $43,241,000, earnings per share of $18.66 and $54.49 and return on average assets of 1.40% and 1.44%, respectively. Return on average shareholders’ equity was 14.40% and 14.54% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

The following is a summary of the financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, compared to September 30, 2020:

•	Net income increased 16.5% to $50.4 million from $43.2 million.

•	Earnings per share increased 17.1% to $63.79 from $54.49.

•	Total assets increased 18.6% to $5.1 billion from $4.3 billion.

•	Loans & leases (exclusive of SBA PPP loans) increased 9.2% to $3.02 billion from $2.76 billion.

•	Total deposits increased 19.8% to $4.6 billion from $3.8 billion.

The primary reasons for the Company’s $7.1 million or 16.5% increase in net income in the first nine months of 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020 were:

•	A $10.5 million increase in net interest income related to the growth in earning assets.

•	A $2.5 million increase in gain on investment securities sold.

•	A $1.1 million increase in Debit Card and ATM fees.

•	A $1.1 million increase in other non-interest income.

•	A $750,000 decrease in the provision for credit losses.

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These positive impacts were partially offset by:

•	A $5.1 million increase in salaries and employee benefits.

•	A $646,000 increase in FDIC insurance expense.

•	A $499,000 increase in other non-interest expense.

•	An increase in the tax provision from 24.4% to 24.8%.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin

The tables on the following pages reflect the Company’s average balance sheets and volume and rate analysis for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The average yields on earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities have been computed on an annualized basis for purposes of comparability with full year data. Average balance amounts for assets and liabilities are the computed average of daily balances.

Net interest income is the amount by which the interest and fees on loans & leases and other interest-earning assets exceed the interest paid on interest-bearing sources of funds. For the purpose of analysis, the interest earned on tax-exempt investments and municipal loans is adjusted to an amount comparable to interest subject to normal income taxes. This adjustment is referred to as “tax equivalent” adjustment and is noted wherever applicable. The presentation of net interest income and net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis is a common practice within the banking industry.

The Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Income summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense based on changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average rates (rate). For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by initial rate); (2) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by initial volume); and (3) changes in rate/volume, also called “changes in mix” (allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components).

The Company’s earning assets and rate sensitive liabilities are subject to repricing at different times, which exposes the Company to income fluctuations when interest rates change. In order to minimize income fluctuations, the Company attempts to match asset and liability maturities. However, some maturity mismatch is inherent in the asset and liability mix. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates

(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2021									Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2020
Assets	Balance			Interest			Rate			Balance			Interest			Rate
Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks	$	856,159		$	328			0.15	%	$	314,049		$	81			0.10	%
Investment Securities:
U.S. Treasury Notes		9,911			59			2.36	%		27,423			89			1.29	%
U.S. Government Agency SBA		7,151			14			0.78	%		9,167			24			1.05	%
Municipals - Taxable		15,088			141			3.74	%		19,966			156			3.13	%
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable ⁽¹⁾		49,616			503			4.06	%		49,452			525			4.24	%
Mortgage-Backed Securities		708,322			2,937			1.66	%		430,145			2,567			2.39	%
Other		46,511			132			1.14	%		25,477			53			0.83	%
Total Investment Securities		836,599			3,786			1.81	%		561,630			3,414			2.43	%

Loans & Leases: ⁽²⁾
Real Estate		2,169,270			25,354			4.64	%		1,952,892			24,193			4.93	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans		32,112			360			4.45	%		37,815			423			4.45	%
Agricultural		236,071			2,637			4.43	%		263,706			3,365			5.08	%
Commercial		374,162			4,111			4.36	%		362,880			4,377			4.80	%
Consumer		8,521			125			5.82	%		12,261			190			6.16	%
Other⁽³⁾		146,661			2,138			5.78	%		348,093			2,415			2.76	%
Leases		96,690			1,363			5.59	%		106,272			1,446			5.41	%
Total Loans & Leases		3,063,487			36,088			4.67	%		3,083,919			36,409			4.70	%
Total Earning Assets		4,756,245		$	40,202			3.35	%		3,959,598		$	39,904			4.01	%

Unrealized Gain on Securities Available-for-Sale		1,995									20,960
Allowance for Credit Losses		(60,268	)								(55,782	)
Cash and Due From Banks		72,887									61,633
All Other Assets		264,724									244,056
Total Assets	$	5,035,583								$	4,230,465

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
Interest Bearing Deposits:
Interest Bearing DDA	$	1,068,707		$	293			0.11	%	$	824,587		$	383			0.18	%
Savings and Money Market		1,385,430			346			0.10	%		1,176,238			594			0.20	%
Time Deposits		399,246			290			0.29	%		468,072			1,034			0.88	%
Total Interest Bearing Deposits		2,853,383			929			0.13	%		2,468,897			2,011			0.32	%
Subordinated Debentures		10,310			78			3.00	%		10,310			83			3.20	%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities		2,863,693		$	1,007			0.14	%		2,479,207		$	2,094			0.34	%
Interest Rate Spread ⁽⁴⁾								3.21	%								3.67	%
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)		1,655,738									1,279,142
All Other Liabilities		68,564									60,812
Total Liabilities		4,587,995									3,819,161

Shareholders’ Equity		447,588									411,304
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity	$	5,035,583								$	4,230,465
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets ⁽⁵⁾					39,195			3.27	%					37,810			3.80	%
Tax Equivalent Adjustment					(104	)								(111	)
Net Interest Income				$	39,091			3.26	%				$	37,699			3.79	%

(1) Yields and interest income are calculated on an fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2) Average balances on loans & leases outstanding include non-performing loans, if any. The amortized portion of net loan origination fees is included in interest income on loans & leases, representing an adjustment to the yield.

(3) Includes Cares Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Progam loans.

(4) Interest rate spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and interest expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates

(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)

(in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2021									Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2020
Assets	Balance			Interest			Rate			Balance			Interest			Rate
Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks	$	620,757		$	595			0.13	%	$	286,049		$	1,093			0.51	%
Investment Securities:
U.S. Treasury Notes		12,071			212			2.35	%		19,897			267			1.79	%
U.S. Government Agency SBA		7,590			41			0.72	%		9,799			94			1.28	%
Municipals - Taxable		15,662			445			3.79	%		11,362			359			4.21	%
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable ⁽¹⁾		52,816			1,562			3.94	%		52,741			1,587			4.01	%
Mortgage-Backed Securities		738,454			9,396			1.70	%		445,336			8,432			2.52	%
Other		45,970			687			1.99	%		10,747			64			0.79	%
Total Investment Securities		872,563			12,343			1.89	%		549,882			10,803			2.62	%

Loans & Leases: ⁽²⁾
Real Estate		2,131,071			75,041			4.71	%		1,885,455			71,031			5.03	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans		32,417			1,083			4.47	%		39,162			1,447			4.94	%
Agricultural		229,862			7,758			4.51	%		264,528			10,180			5.14	%
Commercial		365,744			12,567			4.59	%		378,272			13,810			4.88	%
Consumer		9,388			1,010			14.38	%		13,294			619			6.22	%
Other ⁽³⁾		194,295			8,245			5.67	%		209,653			3,521			2.24	%
Leases		100,347			4,135			5.51	%		105,880			4,272			5.39	%
Total Loans & Leases		3,063,124			109,839			4.79	%		2,896,244			104,880			4.84	%
Total Earning Assets		4,556,444		$	122,777			3.60	%		3,732,175		$	116,776			4.18	%

Unrealized Gain on Securities Available-for-Sale		5,431									16,096
Allowance for Credit Losses		(59,971	)								(55,190	)
Cash and Due From Banks		68,755									61,588
All Other Assets		255,847									238,898
Total Assets	$	4,826,506								$	3,993,567

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
Interest Bearing Deposits:
Interest Bearing DDA	$	1,002,267		$	869			0.12	%	$	761,437		$	1,342			0.24	%
Savings and Money Market		1,336,826			1,136			0.11	%		1,091,672			2,280			0.28	%
Time Deposits		408,730			1,195			0.39	%		503,319			3,991			1.06	%
Total Interest Bearing Deposits		2,747,823			3,200			0.16	%		2,356,428			7,613			0.43	%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		-			-			0.00	%		1			-			0.00	%
Subordinated Debentures		10,310			236			3.06	%		10,310			296			3.83	%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities		2,758,133		$	3,436			0.17	%		2,366,739		$	7,909			0.45	%
Interest Rate Spread⁽⁴⁾								3.44	%								3.73	%
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)		1,567,089									1,169,333
All Other Liabilities		64,439									61,024
Total Liabilities		4,389,661									3,597,096

Shareholders’ Equity		436,845									396,471
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity	$	4,826,506								$	3,993,567
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets ⁽⁵⁾					119,341			3.50	%					108,867			3.90	%
Tax Equivalent Adjustment					(324	)								(327	)
Net Interest Income				$	119,017			3.49	%				$	108,540			3.88	%

(1) Yields and interest income are calculated on an fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(3) Includes CARES Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Progam loans.

(4) Interest rate spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and interest expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Revenue

(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2021 compared to Sept. 30, 2020									Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2021 compared to Sept. 30, 2020
Interest Earning Assets	Volume			Rate			Net Chg.			Volume			Rate			Net Chg.
Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks	$	193		$	54		$	247		$	696		$	(1,194	)	$	(498	)
Investment Securities:
U.S. Treasuries		(78	)		47			(30	)		(123	)		68			(55	)
U.S. Government Agency SBA		(14	)		4			(10	)		(31	)		(22	)		(53	)
Municipals - Taxable		(42	)		28			(15	)		117			(31	)		86
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions - Non-Taxable		2			(23	)		(21	)		2			(27	)		(25	)
Mortgage-Backed Securities		700			(330	)		370			1,922			(958	)		964
Other		55			24			79			427			197			623
Total Investment Securities		623			(250	)		373			2,313			(773	)		1,540

Loans & Leases:
Real Estate		2,490			(1,329	)		1,161			7,936			(3,926	)		4,010
Home Equity Lines & Loans		(62	)		(0	)		(63	)		(198	)		(167	)		(364	)
Agricultural		(576	)		(152	)		(728	)		1,035			(3,457	)		(2,422	)
Commercial		136			(403	)		(266	)		(481	)		(762	)		(1,243	)
Consumer		(54	)		(12	)		(65	)		(226	)		617			391
Other⁽¹⁾		(1,915	)		1,638			(277	)		(277	)		5,002			4,724
Leases		(131	)		48			(83	)		(230	)		92			(137	)
Total Loans & Leases		(113	)		(209	)		(321	)		7,559			(2,601	)		4,958
Total Earning Assets		703			(405	)		299			10,569			(4,568	)		6,001

Interest Bearing Liabilities
Interest Bearing Deposits:
Interest Bearing DDA		231			(321	)		(90	)		782			(1,255	)		(473	)
Savings and Money Market		134			(382	)		(248	)		698			(1,842	)		(1,144	)
Time		(179	)		(565	)		(744	)		(954	)		(1,842	)		(2,796	)
Total Interest Bearing Deposits		186			(1,268	)		(1,082	)		526			(4,939	)		(4,413	)
Subordinated Debentures		-			(5	)		(5	)		-			(60	)		(60	)
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities		186			(1,273	)		(1,087	)		526			(4,999	)		(4,473	)
Total Change on a Tax Equivalent Basis	$	517		$	868		$	1,386		$	10,043		$	431		$	10,474

(1) Includes CARES Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Progam loans.

Notes: Rate/volume variance is allocated based on the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total “net change.” The above figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Third Quarter 2021 vs. Third Quarter 2020

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2021 increased 3.7% or $1.4 million to $39.1 million. On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income increased 3.7% and totaled $39.2 million for the third quarter of 2021. As more fully discussed below, the increase in net interest income was due primarily to a $796.6 million increase in average earning assets offset by a 53 basis point decrease in the net interest margin.

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average total earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.27% compared to 3.80% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. This decrease in net interest margin was due primarily to a 66 basis point decrease in yield on earning assets offset somewhat by a 20 basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities.

Average loans & leases totaled $3.1 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2021; a decrease of $20.4 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Loans & leases decreased from 77.9% of average earning assets at September 30, 2020 to 64.4% at September 30, 2021. The annualized yield on the Company’s loan & lease portfolio decreased slightly to 4.67% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to 4.70% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. This decrease in the current quarter as compared to the same quarter last year was due to the decline in rates across loan types due to an overall drop in market interest rates offset by an increase in PPP loans earning at a rate of 5.78% as compared to 2.76% in the third quarter of 2020. This increase in yield on PPP loans was due to the SBA’s forgiveness of a significant volume of these loans during the third quarter of 2021, which resulted in a large amount of deferred loan fees being accreted into income during the quarter.

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A lower yield, when combined with the impact of a decrease in average loan & lease balances, resulted in interest revenue from loans & leases decreasing slightly by 3 basis points to $36.1 million. The Company continues to experience aggressive competitor pricing for loans & leases to which it may need to continue to respond in order to retain key customers. This could place negative pressure on future loan & lease yields and net interest margin.

The investment portfolio is the other main component of the Company’s earning assets. Historically, the Company has invested primarily in: (1) mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities; (2) debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, government agencies and government-sponsored entities; and (3) investment grade bank-qualified municipal bonds. However, at certain times the Company has selectively added investment grade corporate securities (floating rate and fixed rate with maturities less than seven years) to the portfolio in order to obtain yields that exceed government agency securities of equivalent maturity. Since the risk factor for these types of investments is generally lower than that of loans & leases, the yield earned on investments is generally less than that of loans & leases.

Average investment securities totaled $836.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021; an increase of $275 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average investment portfolio yield, on a tax equivalent (TE) basis, was 1.81% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to 2.43% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. This overall decrease in yield was caused primarily by a drop in market interest rates. As a result of the combined impact of these balance and yield changes, tax equivalent interest income on securities increased $373,000 to $3.79 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $3.41 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2021. Net interest income on the Schedule of Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates is shown on a tax equivalent basis, which is higher than net interest income as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Income because of adjustments that relate to income on securities that are exempt from federal income taxes.

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold are additional earning assets available to the Company. Average interest-bearing deposits with banks consisted primarily of FRB deposits. Balances with the FRB earn interest at the Fed Funds rate, which was .15% in September 2021 compared to .10% in September 2020. Average interest-bearing deposits with banks for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $856.2 million, an increase of $542.1 million compared to the average balance for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with banks for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, increased $247,000 to $328,000 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $384.5 million or 15.5% during the third quarter of 2021. Of that increase: (1) interest-bearing transaction deposits increased $244.1 million; (2) savings and money market deposits increased $209.2 million; (3) time deposits decreased $68.8 million (see “Financial Condition – Deposits”); (4) FHLB advances remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings”); and (5) subordinated debt remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Subordinated Debentures”). A significant portion of this deposit growth was a result of funds from the SBA PPP being deposited into borrower accounts until those funds will be used for operating expenses.

Total interest expense on interest-bearing deposits was $929,000 for the third quarter of 2021 as compared to $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2020. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 0.13% for the third quarter of 2021 compared to 0.32% for the third quarter of 2020 due to the significant drop in market interest rates.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

During the first nine months of 2021, net interest income increased 9.65% to $119.0 million, compared to $108.5 million at September 30, 2020. On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income increased 9.62% and totaled $119.3 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $108.9 million at September 30, 2020. As more fully discussed below the increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $824.3 million increase in average earning assets offset by a 40 basis point decrease in the net interest margin.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company’s net interest margin was 3.50% compared to 3.90% for the same period in 2020. This decrease in net interest margin was due primarily to a decrease of 0.58% in the yield received on earning assets, offset somewhat by a 28 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

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The average balance of loans & leases increased by $166.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The yield on the loan & lease portfolio decreased 5 basis points to 4.79% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to 4.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This lower yield offset somewhat the positive impact of increased average loan & lease balances resulting in interest revenue from loans & leases increasing 4.73% or $4.9 million for the first nine months of 2021.

Average investment securities were $872.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $549.9 million for the same period in 2020. The average investment portfolio yield, on a tax equivalent basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was 1.89% compared to 2.62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This overall decrease in yield was caused primarily by a drop in market interest rates. As a result of the combined impact of these balance and yield changes, tax equivalent interest income on securities increased $1.5 million to $12.3 million for nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. See “Financial Condition – Investment Securities” for a discussion of the Company’s investment strategy in 2021. Net interest income on the Schedule of Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates is shown on a tax equivalent basis, which is higher than net interest income as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Income because of adjustments that relate to income on securities that are exempt from federal income taxes.

Interest-bearing deposits with banks and overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold are additional earning assets available to the Company. Interest-bearing deposits with banks consisted primarily of FRB deposits. Balances with the FRB earn interest at the Fed Funds rate, which was .13% for the nine months ended September 2021, compared to .51% for the nine months ended September 2020. Average interest-bearing deposits with banks for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $620.7 million, an increase of $334.7 million compared to the average balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with banks for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, decreased $498,000 to $595,000 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $391.4 million or 16.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Of that increase: (1) interest-bearing transaction deposits increased $240.8 million; (2) savings and money market deposits increased $245.2 million; (3) time deposits decreased $94.6 million (see “Financial Condition – Deposits”); and (4) FHLB advances remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings”); and (5) subordinated debt remained unchanged (see “Financial Condition – Subordinated Debentures”).

Total interest expense on interest-bearing deposits was $3.2 million for the first nine months of 2021 as compared to $7.6 million for the first nine months of 2020. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 0.16% in the first nine months of 2021 and 0.43% in the first nine months of 2020, due to the significant drop in market interest rates.

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

As a financial institution that assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. The Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans & leases and the monitoring of the existing portfolio. The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans & leases to one borrower (the term “borrower” is used herein to describe a customer who has entered into either a loan or lease transaction), and by restricting loans & leases made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is best able to assess the applicable risk. Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc. Management reports regularly to the Board of Directors regarding trends and conditions in the loan & lease portfolio and regularly conducts credit reviews of individual loans & leases. Loans & leases that are performing but have shown some signs of weakness are subject to more stringent reporting and oversight.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

A loan or lease is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the original agreement. Loans & leases determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan or lease is impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s or lease’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on a loan’s or lease’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan or lease is collateral dependent. A loan or lease is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan or lease is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral.

A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) under ASC 310-40, if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants a more than insignificant concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans or leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on non-accrual status at the time they become TDR, remain on non-accrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment.

The determination of the general reserve for loans or leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment is based on estimates made by management, to include, but not limited to, consideration of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset classifications, and qualitative factors that include economic trends in the Company’s service areas, industry experience and trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Company’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan & lease portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole.

The Company maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan & lease type). These portfolio segments include: (1) commercial real estate; (2) agricultural real estate; (3) real estate construction (including land and development loans); (4) residential 1^st mortgages; (5) home equity lines and loans; (6) agricultural; (7) commercial; (8) consumer & other; and (9) equipment leases. See “Financial Condition – Loans & Leases” for examples of loans & leases made by the Company. The allowance for credit losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both impaired loans & leases and loans & leases that are not impaired, is combined to determine the Company’s overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans & leases and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans & leases over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and assess overall collectability. For smaller balance loans & leases, such as consumer and residential real estate, a credit grade is established at inception, and then updated only when the loan or lease becomes contractually delinquent or when the borrower requests a modification. For larger balance loans or leases, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans & leases. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan or lease. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company. The general reserve component of the allowance for credit losses also consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk; (2) historical losses; and (3) other qualitative factors. These reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each portfolio segment. See “Note 1 Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Credit Losses.”

In addition, the Company’s and Bank’s regulators, including the FRB, DFPI and FDIC, as an integral part of their examination process, review the adequacy of the allowance. These regulatory agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available at the time of their examinations.

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Provision for Credit Losses

Changes in the provision for credit losses between years are the result of management’s evaluation, based upon information currently available, of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses relative to factors such as the credit quality of the loan & lease portfolio, loan & lease growth, current credit losses, and the prevailing economic climate and its effect on borrowers’ ability to repay loans & leases in accordance with the terms of the notes.

The State of California experienced drought conditions from 2013 through most of 2016. After 2016, reasonable levels of rain and snow alleviated drought conditions in our primary service area, but the winter of 2020-2021 was once again dry. Despite this, the availability of water in our primary service area was not an issue for the 2021 growing season. However, the weather patterns over the past eight years further reinforce the fact that the long-term risks associated with the availability of water are significant.

The Company made a $1.25 million provision for credit losses during the first nine months of 2021 compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2020. Net recoveries during the first nine months of 2021 were $191,000 compared to net charge-offs of $214,000 in the first nine months of 2020. See “Overview – Looking Forward: 2021 and Beyond”, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Allowance for Credit Losses” and “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk” located in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

After reviewing all factors above, management concluded that the allowance for credit losses, as of September 30, 2021 were adequate.

The following table contains the allowance for credit losses for the three and nine-month periods ended September 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,

(in thousands)	2021			2020			2021			2020
Balance at Beginning of Period	$	60,229		$	55,058		$	58,862		$	55,012
Charge-Offs		(17	)		(25	)		(33	)		(487	)
Recoveries		91			65			224			273
Provision		-			1,700			1,250			2,000
Balance at End of Period	$	60,303		$	56,798		$	60,303		$	56,798

The table below breaks out current quarter activity by portfolio segment (in thousands):

September 30, 2021	Commercial Real Estate			Agricultural Real Estate		Real Estate Construction			Residential 1st Mortgages			Home Equity Lines & Loans			Agricultural			Commercial		Consumer & Other			Leases			Unallocated			Total

Year-To-Date Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- December 31, 2020	$	27,679		$	8,633	$	1,643		$	960		$	2,024		$	4,814		$	9,961	$	333		$	1,731		$	1,084		$	58,862
Charge-Offs		-			-		-			-			-			-			-		(33	)		-			-			(33	)
Recoveries		-			-		-			74			17			29			83		21			-			-			224
Provision		1,200			794		(210	)		(70	)		(129	)		(238	)		738		(23	)		(872	)		60			1,250
Ending Balance- September 30, 2021	$	28,879		$	9,427	$	1,433		$	964		$	1,912		$	4,605		$	10,782	$	298		$	859		$	1,144		$	60,303
Third Quarter Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance- June 30, 2021	$	28,890		$	9,107	$	1,405		$	957		$	1,899		$	4,552		$	9,920	$	281		$	1,639		$	1,579		$	60,229
Charge-Offs		-			-		-			-			-			-			-		(17	)		-			-			(17	)
Recoveries		-			-		-			15			6			24			38		8			-			-			91
Provision		(11	)		320		28			(8	)		7			29			824		26			(780	)		(435	)		-
Ending Balance- September 30, 2021	$	28,879		$	9,427	$	1,433		$	964		$	1,912		$	4,605		$	10,782	$	298		$	859		$	1,144		$	60,303

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The Allowance for Credit Losses at September 30, 2021 increased $3.5 million from September 30, 2020 and increased $1.41 million from December 31, 2020. The Company believes that an allowance of 1.92% of gross loans (2.00% when government guaranteed SBA PPP loans are excluded) provides sufficiently for our exposure at the current time.

Changes to the reserve during the first nine months of 2021 are due to: (1) changes in volume by segment and (2) changes in the underlying credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio. Overall: (1) reserves for “Agricultural” and “Agricultural Real Estate” loans (which are currently thought to have more limited COVID-19 loss exposure since agricultural activity has substantially continued) have remained relatively stable or increased due to volume changes; (2) reserves for Commercial Real Estate (where our COVID-19 exposure is thought to be greater since many of these companies and consumers were, and may continue to be, impacted by “non-essential” designations and “shelter-in-place” orders) have been increased; (3) reserves for Commercial loans have increased with volume; and (4) reserves for “Leases” have decreased as that relatively new product segment matures within our portfolio and the risk is perceived to be lower. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure” for additional information of the Company’s COVID-19 exposure.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Financial Condition – Classified Loans & Leases and Non-Performing Assets” for further discussion regarding these loan categories.

See “Note 6. Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional details regarding the provision and allowance for credit losses.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income includes: (1) service charges and fees from deposit accounts; (2) net gains and losses from investment securities; (3) increases in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance; (4) debit card and ATM fees; (5) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plans; and (6) fees from other miscellaneous business services.

Third Quarter 2021 vs. Third Quarter 2020

Non-interest income increased $321,000 or 7.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily due to: (1) a $323,000 increase in debit card/ATM fees; (2) a $154,000 increase in service charges collected on deposit accounts; (3) a $136,000 increase in other miscellaneous non-interest income; (4) an increase of $76,000 in dividends received from the FHLB; (5) a $21,000 increase in value of Bank owned life insurance; and (6) an $18,600 increase in gain on sales of leases. This increase is partially offset by: (1) a $407,000 decrease in the net gain on deferred compensation investments (Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income).

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Non‑interest income increased $5.9 million or 54.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily due to: (1) a $2.5 million increase in gain on the sale of investment securities; (2) a $1.1 million increase in debit card/ATM fees; (3) a $945,000 increase in the net gain on deferred compensation investments (Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses to be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income); (4) a $687,000 increase in gain on sales of leases; (5) a $177,000 increase in service charges collected on deposit accounts; and (6) a $156,000 increase in dividend income received from FHLB.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the Company includes expenses for: (1) salaries and employee benefits; (2) net gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plan investments; (3) occupancy; (4) equipment; (5) supplies; (6) legal fees; (7) professional services; (8) data processing; (9) marketing; (10) deposit insurance; (11) ORE carrying costs and gains/losses on sale; and (12) other miscellaneous expenses.

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Third Quarter 2021 vs. Third Quarter 2020

Overall, non-interest expense decreased $198,000 or 1.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. This decrease was primarily comprised of: (1) a $524,000 decrease in other miscellaneous expenses; (2) a $407,000 decrease in the net gain on deferred compensation investments (Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income); and (3) a $182,000 decrease in marketing expenses. These decreases were partially offset by (1) an $847,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits; (2) a $68,000 increase in FDIC insurance.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Non-interest expense increased $7.4 million or 12.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily comprised of: (1) a $5.1 million increase in salaries and employee benefits; (2) a $945,000 increase in the net gain on deferred compensation investments (Balances in non-qualified deferred compensation plans may be invested in financial instruments whose market value fluctuates based upon trends in interest rates and stock prices. Although Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require these investment gains/losses be recorded in non-interest income, an offsetting entry is also required to be made to non-interest expense resulting in no effect on the Company’s net income); (3) a $646,000 increase in FDIC insurance; (4) a $385,000 increase in legal expense; (5) a $154,000 increase in marketing expense; and (6) a $125,000 increase in occupancy expense.

Income Taxes

The Bank’s provision for income taxes increased 18.6% to $5.9 million for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020. The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was 25.10% compared to 25.03% for the third quarter of 2020. The Company’s effective tax rate can fluctuate from quarter to quarter due primarily to changes in the mix of taxable and tax-exempt earning sources. The effective rates were lower than the combined Federal and State statutory rate of 30% due primarily to benefits regarding the cash surrender value of life insurance; credits associated with low income housing tax credit investments (LIHTC); and tax-exempt interest income on municipal securities and loans.

Financial Condition

This section discusses material changes in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2021, as compared to December 31, 2020, and to September 30, 2020. As previously discussed (see “Overview”), the Company’s consolidated financial condition can be influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers.

Investment Securities and Federal Funds Sold

The investment portfolio provides the Company with an income alternative to loans & leases. The debt securities in the Company’s investment portfolio have historically been comprised primarily of: (1) mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities; (2) debt securities issued by U.S. Treasury, government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored entities; and (3) investment grade bank-qualified municipal bonds. However, at certain times, the Company has selectively added investment grade corporate securities (floating rate and fixed rate with maturities less than seven years) to the portfolio in order to obtain yields that exceed government agency securities of equivalent maturity without subjecting the Company to the interest rate risk associated with mortgage-backed securities.

The Company’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2021, was $883.8 million compared to $638.4 million at the end of 2020, an increase of $245.3 million or 38.4%. At December 31, 2020, the investment portfolio totaled $876.7 million.

The Company’s total investment portfolio currently represents 17.3% of the Company’s total assets as compared to 19.3% at December 31, 2020, and 14.8% at September 30, 2020.

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As of September 30, 2021, the Company held $62.9 million of municipal investments, all classified as HTM. Of this balance, $21.3 million were bank-qualified municipal bonds, and $41.6 million were private placement municipal bonds, and CRA qualified investments in our service area. In order to comply with Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Company performs its own credit analysis on new purchases of municipal bonds. As of September 30, 2021, all of the Company’s bank-qualified municipal bond portfolio was rated at either the issue or issuer level, and all of these ratings were “investment grade.” The Company monitors the status of all municipal investments, and at the current time does not believe any of them to be exhibiting financial problems that could result in a loss in any individual security.

Not included in the investment portfolio are interest-bearing deposits with banks and overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold. Interest-bearing deposits with banks consisted of FRB deposits. The FRB currently pays interest on the deposits that banks maintain in their FRB accounts, whereas historically banks had to sell these Federal Funds to other banks in order to earn interest. Since balances at the FRB are effectively risk free, the Company elected to maintain its excess cash at the FRB. Interest-bearing deposits with banks totaled $804.3 million at September 30, 2021, $317.5 million at December 31, 2020, and $299.6 million at September 30, 2020.

The Company classifies its investments as held-to-maturity (“HTM”), trading, or available-for-sale (“AFS”). Securities are classified as HTM and are carried at amortized cost when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. During the first quarter of 2021, $316.9 million in mortgage-backed securities were transferred from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity at fair value. See “Note 3 – Investment Securities” for additional details regarding the transfer of investment securities. Trading securities are securities acquired for short-term appreciation and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income. As of September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, there were no securities in the trading portfolio. Securities classified as AFS include securities, which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, satisfy liquidity demands and other factors. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate, unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes.

Loans & Leases

Loans & leases can be categorized by borrowing purpose and use of funds. Common examples of loans & leases made by the Company include:

Commercial and Agricultural Real Estate - These are loans secured by farmland, commercial real estate, multifamily residential properties, and other non-farm, non-residential properties generally within our market area. Commercial mortgage term loans can be made if the property is either income producing or scheduled to become income producing based upon acceptable pre-leasing, and the income will be the Bank’s primary source of repayment for the loan. Loans are made both on owner occupied and investor properties; generally do not exceed 15 years (and may have pricing adjustments on a shorter timeframe); have debt service coverage ratios of 1.00 or better with a target of greater than 1.25; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Real Estate Construction - These are loans for development and construction (the Company generally requires the borrower to fund the land acquisition) and are secured by commercial or residential real estate. These loans are generally made only to experienced local developers with whom the Bank has a successful track record; for projects in our service area; with Loan To Value (LTV) below 75%; and where the property can be developed and sold within 2 years. Commercial construction loans are made only when there is a written take-out commitment from the Bank or an acceptable financial institution or government agency. Most acquisition, development and construction loans are tied to the prime rate or LIBOR with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Residential 1^st Mortgages - These are loans primarily made on owner occupied residences; generally underwritten to income and LTV guidelines similar to those used by FNMA and FHLMC; however, we will make loans on rural residential properties up to 40 acres. Most residential loans have terms from ten to twenty years and carry fixed rates priced off of treasury rates. The Company has always underwritten mortgage loans based upon traditional underwriting criteria and does not make loans that are known in the industry as “subprime,” “no or low doc,” or “stated income.”

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Home Equity Lines and Loans - These are loans made to individuals for home improvements and other personal needs. Generally, amounts do not exceed $250,000; Combined Loan To Value (CLTV) does not exceed 80%; FICO scores are at or above 670; Total Debt Ratios do not exceed 43%; and in some situations the Company is in a 1^st lien position.

Agricultural - These are loans and lines of credit made to farmers to finance agricultural production. Lines of credit are extended to finance the seasonal needs of farmers during peak growing periods; are usually established for periods no longer than 12 to 24 months; are often secured by general filing liens on livestock, crops, crop proceeds and equipment; and are most often tied to the prime rate with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan. Term loans are primarily made for the financing of equipment, expansion or modernization of a processing plant, or orchard/vineyard development; have maturities from five to seven years; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Commercial - These are loans and lines of credit to businesses that are sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLC’s and corporations. Lines of credit are extended to finance the seasonal working capital needs of customers during peak business periods; are usually established for periods no longer than 12 to 24 months; are often secured by general filing liens on accounts receivable, inventory and equipment; and are most often tied to the prime rate with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan. Term loans are primarily made for the financing of equipment, expansion or modernization of a plant or purchase of a business; have maturities from five to seven years; and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk in the loan.

Consumer - These are loans to individuals for personal use, and primarily include loans to purchase automobiles or recreational vehicles, and unsecured lines of credit. The Company has a minimal consumer loan portfolio, and loans are primarily made as an accommodation to deposit customers.

Leases - These are leases to businesses or individuals, for the purpose of financing the acquisition of equipment. They can be either “finance leases” where the lessee retains the tax benefits of ownership but obtains 100% financing on their equipment purchases; or “true tax leases” where the Company, as lessor, places reliance on equipment residual value and in doing so obtains the tax benefits of ownership. Leases typically have a maturity of three to ten years, and fixed rates that are most often tied to treasury indices with an appropriate spread based on the amount of perceived risk. Credit risks are underwritten using the same credit criteria the Company would use when making an equipment term loan. Residual value risk is managed through the use of qualified, independent appraisers that establish the residual values the Company uses in structuring a lease.

See “ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk” for a discussion about the credit risks the Company assumes and its overall credit risk management practices.

Each loan or lease type involves risks specific to the: (1) borrower; (2) collateral; and (3) loan & lease structure. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for a more detailed discussion of risks by loan & lease type. The Company’s current underwriting policies and standards are designed to mitigate the risks involved in each loan & lease type. The Company’s policies require that loans & leases are approved only to those borrowers exhibiting a clear source of repayment and the ability to service existing and proposed debt. The Company’s underwriting procedures for all loan & lease types require careful consideration of the borrower, the borrower’s financial condition, the borrower’s management capability, the borrower’s industry, and the economic environment affecting the loan or lease.

Most loans & leases made by the Company are secured, but collateral is the secondary or tertiary source of repayment; cash flow is our primary source of repayment. The quality and liquidity of collateral are important and must be confirmed before the loan is made.

In order to be responsive to borrower needs, the Company prices loans & leases: (1) on both a fixed rate and adjustable rate basis; (2) over different terms; and (3) based upon different rate indices; as long as these structures are consistent with the Company’s interest rate risk management policies and procedures. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Interest Rate Risk” for further details.

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Overall, the Company’s loan & lease portfolio at September 30, 2021, totaled $3.1 billion, an increase of $27.9 million or 0.9% over September 30, 2020. Exclusive of SBA PPP loans, the loan portfolio grew $253.9 million, or 9.2%, over September 30, 2020. This increase in the non-PPP loan portfolio occurred as a result of: (1) the Company’s business development efforts directed toward credit-qualified borrowers; and (2) expansion of our service area into the East Bay of San Francisco and Napa. No assurances can be made that this growth in the loan & lease portfolio will continue. Loans & leases at September 30, 2021 increased $40.2 million from $3.1 billion at December 31, 2020.

The following table sets forth the distribution of the loan & lease portfolio by type and percent as of the periods indicated.

(in thousands)	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020
Commercial Real Estate	$	1,126,230	35.7	%	$	971,326	31.2	%	$	887,999	28.4	%
Agricultural Real Estate		656,337	20.8	%		643,014	20.7	%		639,172	20.4	%
Real Estate Construction		178,451	5.7	%		185,741	6.0	%		186,623	6.0	%
Residential 1st Mortgages		309,728	9.8	%		299,379	9.6	%		293,489	9.4	%
Home Equity Lines & Loans		31,664	1.0	%		34,239	1.1	%		35,875	1.1	%
Agricultural		235,085	7.5	%		264,372	8.5	%		252,031	8.1	%
Commercial		394,326	12.5	%		374,816	12.0	%		367,052	11.7	%
Consumer & Other ⁽¹⁾		129,665	4.1	%		235,529	7.6	%		359,697	11.5	%
Leases		90,022	2.9	%		103,117	3.3	%		105,511	3.4	%
Total Gross Loans & Leases		3,151,508	100.0	%		3,111,533	100.0	%		3,127,449	100.0	%
Less: Unearned Income		11,707				11,941				15,518
Subtotal		3,139,801				3,099,592				3,111,931
Less: Allowance for Credit Losses		60,303				58,862				56,798
Net Loans & Leases	$	3,079,498			$	3,040,730			$	3,055,133

(1) Includes CARES Act Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program loans of $121,182, $224,309 and $347,180 as of September 30, 2021, December 31,2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Classified Loans & Leases and Non-Performing Assets

All loans & leases are assigned a credit risk grade using grading standards developed by bank regulatory agencies. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for more detail on risk grades. The Company utilizes the services of a third-party independent loan & lease review firm to perform evaluations of individual loans & leases and review the credit risk grades the Company places on loans & leases. Loans & leases that are judged to exhibit a higher risk profile are referred to as “classified” and these loans & leases receive increased management attention. As of September 30, 2021, classified loans totaled $16.8 million compared to $18.6 million at December 31, 2020, and $20.8 million at September 30, 2020.

Classified loans & leases with higher levels of credit risk can be further designated as “impaired” loans & leases. A loan or lease is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the original agreement. See “Results of Operations - Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses” for further details. Impaired loans & leases consist of: (1) non-accrual loans & leases; and/or (2) restructured loans & leases that are still performing (i.e., accruing interest).

Non-Accrual Loans & leases - Accrual of interest on loans & leases is generally discontinued when a loan or lease becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to interest or principal. When loans & leases are 90 days past due, but in management’s judgment are well secured and in the process of collection, they may not be classified as non-accrual. When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed. Income on such loans & leases is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. At September 30, 2021, non-accrual loans & leases totaled $516,000. At December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, non-accrual loans & leases totaled $495,000 and $498,000, respectively.

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Restructured Loans & Leases - A restructuring of a loan or lease constitutes a TDR under ASC 310-40, if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans or leases typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. If the restructured loan or lease was current on all payments at the time of restructure and management reasonably expects the borrower will continue to perform after the restructure, management may keep the loan or lease on accrual. Loans & leases that are on non-accrual status at the time they become TDR loans or leases, remain on non-accrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. A loan or lease can be removed from TDR status if it was restructured at a market rate in a prior calendar year and is currently in compliance with its modified terms. However, these loans or leases continue to be classified as impaired and are individually evaluated for impairment.

As of September 30, 2021, restructured loans & leases on accrual totaled $7.6 million as compared to $7.9 million at December 31, 2020, and $7.9 million at September 30, 2020.

Other Real Estate - Loans where the collateral has been repossessed are classified as other real estate (“ORE”) or, if the collateral is personal property, the loan is classified as other assets on the Company’s financial statements.

Not included in the table below, but relevant to a discussion of asset quality are loans that were granted some form of relief because of COVID-19 and are not considered TDRs because of the CARES Act and H.R. 133. Since April 2020, we have restructured $278.1 million of loans under the CARES Act and H.R. 133 guidelines (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure”).

The following table sets forth the amount of the Company’s non-performing loans & leases (defined as non-accrual loans & leases plus accruing loans & leases past due 90 days or more) and ORE as of the dates indicated.

Non-Performing Assets

(in thousands)	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020			September 30, 2020
Non-Performing Loans & Leases	$	516		$	495		$	498
Other Real Estate		873			873			873
Total Non-Performing Assets	$	1,389		$	1,368		$	1,371
Non-Performing Loans & Leases
as a % of Total Loans & Leases		0.02	%		0.02	%		0.02	%
Restructured Loans & Leases (Performing)	$	7,631		$	7,868		$	7,890

Although management believes that non-performing loans & leases are generally well-secured and that potential losses are provided for in the Company’s allowance for credit losses, there can be no assurance that future deterioration in economic conditions and/or collateral values will not result in future credit losses. Specific reserves of $0, $92,000, and $92,400 have been established for non-performing loans & leases at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Foregone interest income on non-accrual loans & leases, which would have been recognized during the period, if all such loans & leases had been current in accordance with their original terms, totaled $35,700 $22,000 and $15,530 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

The Company reported $873,000 of ORE at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020.

Except for: (i) those classified and non-performing loans & leases discussed above; and (ii) those loans modified under the COVID-19 guidelines of the CARES Act and H.R. 133, the Company’s management is not aware of any loans or leases as of June 30, 2021, for which known financial problems of the borrower would cause serious doubts as to the ability of these borrowers to materially comply with their present loan or lease repayment terms, or any known events that would result in the loan or lease being designated as non-performing at some future date. However:

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•

While tremendous strides have been made in fighting the COVID-19 virus, particularly with the development of a vaccine, the lingering effects of COVID-19 are still with us, and it is impossible to predict the ultimate impact on classified and non-performing loans and leases (see “Part I, ITEM 2. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure”).

See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure” for additional information of the Company’s COVID-19 exposure.

Deposits

One of the key sources of funds to support earning assets is the generation of deposits from the Company’s customer base. The ability to grow the customer base, and subsequently deposits, is a significant element in the performance of the Company.

The Company’s deposit balances at September 30, 2021, have increased $753.6 million or 19.8% compared to September 30, 2020. In addition to the Company’s ongoing business development activities for deposits, the following factors positively impacted year-over-year deposit growth: (1) the Company’s strong financial results and position and F&M Bank’s reputation as one of the most safe and sound banks in its market area; (2) the Company’s expansion of its service area into Walnut Creek, Concord and Napa; and (3) borrowers under the PPP depositing loan proceeds into their deposit accounts until those funds are used for operating expenses.

Although total deposits have increased 19.8% since September 30, 2020, importantly, low cost transaction accounts have grown at a strong pace as well:

•	Demand and interest-bearing transaction accounts increased $619 million or 28.8% since September 30, 2020.

•	Savings and money market accounts have increased $201 million or 16.7% since September 30, 2020.

•	Time deposit accounts have decreased $66.4 million or 14.4% since September 30, 2020.

The Company’s deposit balances at September 30, 2021, have increased $508.1 million or 12.5% compared to December 31, 2020. Interest-bearing transaction accounts increased by $394 million or 16.6%, savings and money market deposits increased 11.3% or $142.1 million and time deposit accounts decreased by $28 million or 6.6%.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings

Lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank are other key sources of funds to support earning assets. These sources of funds are also used to manage the Company’s interest rate risk exposure, and as opportunities arise, to borrow and invest the proceeds at a positive spread through the investment portfolio. There were no FHLB Advances at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, or September 30, 2020. There were no Federal Funds purchased or advances from the FRB at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, or September 30, 2020.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $749.5 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank and $467.8 million with the Federal Reserve Bank. Any borrowings under these lines would be collateralized with loans that have been accepted for pledging at the FHLB and FRB.

Long-Term Subordinated Debentures

On December 17, 2003, the Company raised $10 million through an offering of trust-preferred securities (“TPS”). See Financial Condition located in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although this amount is reflected as subordinated debt on the Company’s balance sheet, under current regulatory guidelines, our TPS will continue to qualify as regulatory capital (See “Capital”). These securities accrue interest at a variable rate based upon 3-month LIBOR plus 2.85%. Interest rates reset quarterly and were 2.97% as of September 30, 2021, 3.08% at December 31, 2020, and 3.10% at September 30, 2020. The average rate paid for these securities for the first nine months of 2021 was 3.06% and 3.83% for the first nine months of 2020. Additionally, if the Company decided to defer interest on the subordinated debentures, the Company would be prohibited from paying cash dividends on the Company’s common stock.

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Capital

The Company relies primarily on capital generated through the retention of earnings to satisfy its capital requirements. The Company engages in an ongoing assessment of its capital needs in order to support business growth and to insure depositor protection. Shareholders’ Equity totaled $454.2 million at September 30, 2021, $423.7 million at December 31, 2020, and $416.9 million at September 30, 2020.

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company and the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

The minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank are: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets (“RWA”); (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% of RWA; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% of RWA; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% of total assets. A “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above each of the regulatory minimum capital ratios, which would result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0% of RWA; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% of RWA; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5% of RWA. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. The Company’s subordinated debentures issued in 2003 continue to be counted as Tier 1 capital.

The Company believes that it is currently in compliance with all of these capital requirements and that they did not result in any restrictions on the Company’s business activity.

In addition, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

(in thousands)	Actual					Current Regulatory Capital Requirements					Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action
The Company:	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
As of September 30, 2021
Total Capital Ratio	$	497,797		13.28	%	$	299,941		8.0	%		N/A		N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio	$	440,761		11.76	%	$	168,717		4.5	%		N/A		N/A
Tier 1 Capital Ratio	$	450,761		12.02	%	$	224,956		6.0	%		N/A		N/A
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio	$	450,761		8.97	%	$	200,908		4.0	%		N/A		N/A

(in thousands)	Actual					Current Regulatory Capital Requirements					Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action
The Bank:	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
As of September 30, 2021
Total Capital Ratio	$	497,783		13.28	%	$	299,906		8.0	%	$	374,883		10.0	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio	$	450,753		12.02	%	$	168,697		4.5	%	$	243,674		6.5	%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio	$	450,753		12.02	%	$	224,930		6.0	%	$	299,906		8.0	%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio	$	450,753		8.98	%	$	200,850		4.0	%	$	251,063		5.0	%

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Loans originated under the SBA’s PPP are assigned a risk-weighting of 0% so they have no impact on the Company’s RBC ratios. However, they are fully includable in the tier 1 leverage capital ratio calculation, which has resulted in a short-term reduction in that ratio (until the PPP loans are forgiven). Had the Company not participated in the PPP program, the net result would have been a 26 basis point improvement to the September 30, 2021 tier 1 leverage capital ratio, increasing the ratio to 9.23%.

As previously discussed (see “Long-Term Subordinated Debentures”), in order to supplement its regulatory capital base, during December 2003 the Company issued $10 million of trust preferred securities. On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued its final rule effective April 11, 2005, concerning the regulatory capital treatment of trust preferred securities (“TPS”) by bank holding companies (“BHCs”). Under the final rule BHCs may include TPS in Tier 1 capital in an amount equal to 25% of the sum of core capital net of goodwill. Any portion of trust-preferred securities not qualifying as Tier 1 capital would qualify as Tier 2 capital subject to certain limitations. The Company has received notification from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco that all of the Company’s trust preferred securities currently qualify as Tier 1 capital.

The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability.

In 1998, the Board approved the Company’s first common stock repurchase program. This program has been extended and expanded several times since then, and most recently, on November 6, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an extension of the $20 million stock repurchase program over the three-year period ending December 31, 2021. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

There were no stock repurchases during the first nine months of 2021 or 2020. The remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s Common Stock Repurchase Plan is approximately $20 million.

On November 23, 2020, the Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp approved, and all applicable regulators provided statements of non-objection regarding, the Company’s repurchase and retirement of up to $8.5 million of its outstanding common stock during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first half of 2021. These repurchases were done outside of the Company’s current repurchase plan. All repurchases were made at the then prevailing market prices. The Company did not repurchase shares during the first nine months of 2021. During the fourth quarter of 2020 the Company repurchased $2.8 million of shares from shareholders.

On August 5, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a Share Purchase Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), pursuant to which the Company entered into a Rights Agreement dated August 5, 2008, with Computershare as Rights Agent. The Rights Plan was set to expire on August 5, 2018. On November 19, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a seven-year extension of the term of the Rights Plan. Pursuant to an Amendment to the Rights Agreement dated February 18, 2016, the term of the Rights Plan was extended from August 5, 2018 to August 5, 2025. The extension of the term of the Rights Plan was intended as a means to continue to guard against abusive takeover tactics and was not in response to any particular proposal. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further explanation.

The Company did not issue any new shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company issued 523 shares of common stock to the Bank’s non-qualified deferred compensation retirement plans. These shares were issued at a price of $770.00 per share based upon a valuation completed by a nationally recognized bank consulting and advisory firm and in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The proceeds were contributed to the Bank as equity capital.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the Company’s financial statements management makes estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These judgments govern areas such as the allowance for credit losses, the fair value of financial instruments and accounting for income taxes.

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For a full discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Off Balance Sheet Commitments

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into financial instruments with off balance sheet risks in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and other types of financial guarantees. The Company had the following off balance sheet commitments as of the dates indicated.

(in thousands)	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020		September 30, 2020
Commitments to Extend Credit	$	1,058,760	$	1,040,844	$	969,258
Letters of Credit		19,391		18,846		19,816
Performance Guarantees Under Interest Rate Swap Contracts Entered Into Between Our Borrowing Customers and Third Parties		1,808		2,786		3,797

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party with regard to standby letters of credit, undisbursed loan commitments, and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for recorded balance sheet items. The Company may or may not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. Evaluations of each customer’s creditworthiness are performed on a case-by-case basis.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee performance of or payment for a customer to a third party. Most standby letters of credit are issued for 12 months or less. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Additionally, the Company maintains a reserve for off balance sheet commitments, which totaled $315,000 at September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020. We do not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Risk Management

The Company has adopted risk management policies and procedures, which aim to ensure the proper control and management of all risk factors inherent in the operation of the Company, most importantly credit risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk. These risk factors are not mutually exclusive. It is recognized that any product or service offered by the Company may expose the Company to one or more of these risk factors.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise fail to perform as agreed. Credit risk is found in all activities where success depends on counterparty, issuer, or borrower performance.

Credit risk in the investment portfolio and correspondent bank accounts is addressed through defined limits in the Company’s policy statements. In addition, certain securities carry insurance to enhance credit quality of the bond.

In order to control credit risk in the loan & lease portfolio the Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans & leases and the monitoring of the existing portfolio. The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans & leases to one borrower, and by restricting loans & leases made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is best able to assess the applicable risk. Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc. However, as a financial institution that assumes credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to provide for risks inherent in the loan & lease portfolio. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs.

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The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is applied on a regular basis and considers all loans & leases. The systematic methodology consists of three parts.

Part 1 - includes a detailed analysis of the loan & lease portfolio in two phases. The first phase is conducted in accordance with the “Receivables” topic of the FASB ASC 310. Individual loans & leases are reviewed to identify them for impairment. A loan or lease is impaired when principal and interest are deemed uncollectible in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan or lease. Impairment is measured as either the expected future cash flows discounted at each loan’s or lease’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the loan’s or lease’s collateral if the loan or lease is collateral dependent, or an observable market price of the loan or lease, if one exists. Upon measuring the impairment, the Company will ensure an appropriate level of allowance is present or established.

Central to the first phase of the analysis of the loan & lease portfolio is the risk rating system. The originating credit officer assigns each borrower an initial risk rating, which is based primarily on a thorough analysis of that borrower’s financial position in conjunction with industry and economic trends. Approvals are made based upon the amount of inherent credit risk specific to the transaction and are reviewed for appropriateness by senior credit administration personnel. Credits are monitored by credit administration personnel for deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition, which would impact the ability of the borrower to perform under the contract. Risk ratings are adjusted as necessary. Risk ratings are reviewed by both the Company’s independent third-party credit examiners and bank examiners from the DFPI and FDIC.

Based on the risk rating system, specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a credit that management believes indicates that the loan or lease is impaired and there is a probability of loss. Management performs a detailed analysis of these loans & leases, including, but not limited to, cash flows, appraisals of the collateral, conditions of the marketplace for liquidating the collateral, and assessment of the guarantors. Management then determines the inherent loss potential and allocates a portion of the allowance for losses as a specific allowance for each of these credits.

The second phase is conducted by segmenting the loan & lease portfolio by risk rating and into groups of loans & leases with similar characteristics in accordance with the “Contingency” topic of the FASB ASC 450. In this second phase, groups of loans & leases with similar characteristics are reviewed and the appropriate allowance factor is applied based on the historical average charge-off rate for each particular group of loans or leases.

Part 2 - considers qualitative internal and external factors that may affect a loan or lease’s collectability, based upon management’s evaluation of various conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in the determination of the historical and specific allowances. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem credits or portfolio segments. The conditions evaluated in connection with the second element of the analysis of the allowance include, but are not limited to the following conditions that existed as of the balance sheet date:

•	general economic and business conditions affecting the key service areas of the Company;

•	credit quality trends (including trends in collateral values, delinquencies and non-performing loans & leases);

•	loan & lease volumes, growth rates and concentrations;

•	loan & lease portfolio seasoning;

•	specific industry and crop conditions;

•	recent loss experience; and

•	duration of the current business cycle.

Part 3 - An unallocated allowance generally occurs due to the imprecision in estimating and allocating allowance balances associated with macro factors such as: (1) economic conditions in the Central Valley; and (2) the long-term risks associated with the availability of water in the Central Valley.

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Management reviews all of these conditions in discussion with the Company’s senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable impaired credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such credit or portfolio segment. Where any of these conditions is not evidenced by a specifically identifiable impaired credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s evaluation of the inherent loss related to such condition is reflected in the second element of the allowance or in the unallocated allowance.

Management believes, that based upon the preceding methodology, and using information currently available, the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2021, was adequate. No assurances can be given that future events may not result in increases in delinquencies, non-performing loans & leases, or net loan & lease charge-offs that would require increases in the provision for credit losses and thereby adversely affect the results of operations.

See “PART 1. – Item 2. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure” for a discussion of how COVID-19 may impact credit risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The mismatch between maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities results in uncertainty in the Company’s earnings and economic value and is referred to as interest rate risk. The Company does not attempt to predict interest rates and positions the balance sheet in a manner, which seeks to minimize, to the extent possible, the effects of changing interest rates.

The Company measures interest rate risk in terms of potential impact on both its economic value and earnings. The methods for governing the amount of interest rate risk include: (1) analysis of asset and liability mismatches (Gap analysis); (2) the utilization of a simulation model; and (3) limits on maturities of investment, loan & lease, and deposit products, which reduces the market volatility of those instruments.

The Gap analysis measures, at specific time intervals, the divergence between earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for which repricing opportunities will occur. A positive difference, or Gap, indicates that earning assets will reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities. This will generally produce a greater net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a lower net interest margin during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, a negative Gap will generally produce a lower net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a greater net interest margin during periods of decreasing interest rates.

The interest rates paid on deposit accounts do not always move in unison with the rates charged on loans & leases. In addition, the magnitude of changes in the rates charged on loans & leases is not always proportionate to the magnitude of changes in the rate paid for deposits. Consequently, changes in interest rates do not necessarily result in an increase or decrease in the net interest margin solely as a result of the differences between repricing opportunities of earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities.

The Company also utilizes the results of a dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes. The sensitivity of the Company’s net interest income is measured over a rolling one-year horizon.

The simulation model estimates the impact of changing interest rates on interest income from all interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on all interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. This sensitivity analysis is compared to policy limits, which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point upward and a 100 basis point downward shift in interest rates. A shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed. Results that exceed policy limits, if any, are analyzed for risk tolerance and reported to the Board with appropriate recommendations. At September 30, 2021, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was an increase in net interest income of 3.4% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 0.9% if rates decline 100 basis points. Comparatively, at December 31, 2020, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was a decrease in net interest income of .03% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of .2% if rates decline 100 basis points.

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The estimated sensitivity does not necessarily represent a Company forecast and the results may not be indicative of actual changes to the Company’s net interest income. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape; prepayments on loans & leases and securities; pricing strategies on loans & leases and deposits; replacement of asset and liability cash flows; and other assumptions. While the assumptions used are based on current economic and local market conditions, there is no assurance as to the predictive nature of these conditions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital resulting from the Company’s inability to meet its obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. It includes the ability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect the Company’s ability to liquidate assets or acquire funds quickly and with minimum loss of value. The Company endeavors to maintain a cash flow adequate to fund operations, handle fluctuations in deposit levels, respond to the credit needs of borrowers, and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise.

The Company’s principal operating sources of liquidity include (see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” of the Company’s 20 Annual Report on Form 10-K) cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, principal payments on loans & leases, proceeds from the maturity or sale of investments, and growth in deposits. To supplement these operating sources of funds the Company maintains Federal Funds credit lines of $118 million and repurchase lines of $112 million with major banks. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $749.5 million with the FHLB and $467.8 million with the FRB. Borrowings under these lines are collateralized with loans or securities that have been accepted for pledging at the FHLB and FRB.

At September 30, 2021, the Company had available sources of liquidity, which included cash and cash equivalents and unpledged investment securities AFS of approximately $1.8 billion, which represents 34.7% of total assets.

See “PART 1. – Item 2. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disclosure” for a discussion of how COVID-19 may impact liquidity risk.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is recorded and reported in all filings of financial reports. Such information is reported to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer to allow timely and accurate disclosure based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e). In designing these controls and procedures, management recognizes that they can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management also evaluated the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of Company’s disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management of the Company. The evaluation was based, in part, upon reports and affidavits provided by a number of executives. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date the Company completed its evaluation.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against the Company or its subsidiaries. Based upon information available to the Company, its review of such lawsuits and claims and consultation with its counsel, the Company believes the liability relating to these actions, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

There are no material proceedings adverse to the Company to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company is a party.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, with the exception of the disclosure regarding COVID-19 (see “PART I. – Item 2. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - COVID-19 Disclosure”), there have been no material changes in risk factors since the filing of the 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no shares repurchased by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp during the first nine months of 2021. The remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s Stock Repurchase Plan is approximately $20.0 million.

The common stock of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is not widely held or listed on any exchange. However, trades are reported on the OTCQX under the symbol “FMCB”.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5.

Other Information

None

Item 6.

Exhibits

	Exhibit No.	Description

	31(a)	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	31(b)	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	32	Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
	101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
	101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
	101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
	101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
	101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
	104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

Date: November 8, 2021	/s/ Kent A. Steinwert

	Kent A. Steinwert
	Chairman, President
	& Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)


Date: November 8, 2021	/s/ Stephen W. Haley

	Stephen W. Haley
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)

PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION			Page

	Item 1 - Financial Statements

		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020	3

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	4

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	5

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	6

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	7

		Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8

	Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		36

	Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		57

	Item 4 - Controls and Procedures		60

PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 1 - Legal Proceedings		61

	Item 1A – Risk Factors		61

	Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		61

	Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities		61

	Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures		61

	Item 5 - Other Information		61

	Item 6 - Exhibits		61

Signatures			62